LOT 284

1936 FIAT Topolino Four-Light Saloon Registration no. DPX 762 Chassis no. 030438 Engine no. 030219

Sold for £13,800 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 284

1936 FIAT Topolino Four-Light Saloon

Goodwood Revival: Collectors' Motor Cars and Automobilia|19 September 2026, 13:00 BST|Chichester, Goodwood

**1936 FIAT Topolino Four-Light Saloon**
Registration no. DPX 762
Chassis no. 030438
Engine no. 030219

• Manufactured in the UK
• Right-hand drive
• Believed a prototype for a proposed four-light saloon
• Restoration completed in 2020
• Concours winner at Goodwood House 2024
• Previously displayed in The Royal Automobile Club

With a length of around 10' the FIAT Topolino was one of the smallest cars in the world when first introduced in 1936. At its launch the Topolino (mouse) was described thus: 'four seater convertible, this new triumph in car design and construction offers family motoring of hitherto unbelievable economy'. Powered by a 569cc four-cylinder water-cooled engine, the Topolino was good for a top speed of 53mph and could achieve 47.1 miles per gallon. It was produced until 1955, by which time more than half a million had been made.

This example was assembled in the UK in 1936 but not first registered until 1938. In 1936, to avoid Purchase Tax, FIAT established an assembly plant in a disused cinema at Hammersmith, West London. Over the next two years some 400 right-hand drive cars were assembled, while a handful of prototypes was fitted with experimental side windows in the 'C' pillars. Until this particular car was rediscovered, it was understood that two of these very rare side-window prototypes were in Holland and one in England, none having the same window profile.

Former owner Peter Taylor recovered the car from a dry barn and spent his ten-year stewardship restoring both mechanicals and body, with most of the work carried out by Malton Coachworks. The restoration was completed over 2018/2020 for the current owner by the Classic Collective in Bicester. Works included a bare-metal repaint; complete refurnishing of interior seats and trim; new window rubbers; an engine overhaul; and general recommissioning. In 2024 this Topolino, won the 2024 GRRC Goodwood House Open Day Concours having previously been on display on the Rotunda in The Royal Automobile Club in London's Pall Mall.

Accompanying documentation includes an old-style buff continuation logbook (issued 1960) and a list of nine known owners, commencing in 1938 with John Ware of Surrey.

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