Description
Replacement for FIAT’s much-loved 500 ‘Topolino’, the Nuova 500 debuted in 1957. A radical departure from its predecessor’s essentially pre-war design, FIAT’s new baby featured unitary construction, a full-length opening fabric roof and all-independent suspension while carrying its engine at the rear. The 479cc power unit was an air-cooled overhead-valve twin, the first such used by FIAT, and the gearbox a four-speeder. The basic 500’s austerity was not well received, prompting the introduction of a revised and better equipped version endowed with refinements such as wind-down windows, upholstered rear seat, column-mounted switchgear stalks and hub caps for the wheels. Introduced in 1960, the 500D used the 499.5cc engine of the 500 Sport in de-tuned form, but nevertheless brought with it a small gain in horsepower.
This is a rare and totally original 500 Transformable, this of course meaning that it has a folding top and the roof can be retracted fully at the start of the engine, turning it into an elegant cabriolet. Finished in a fantastic light green, it was completely restored in 2015. This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy open top motoring at a realistic price.
