Description
The Fiat 500, commonly known as the "Topolino", was a model of car manufactured by Fiat from 1936 to 1955. The name "Topolino" literally means "little mouse" in Italian, but it is also the Italian name for Mickey Mouse. History The Topolino was one of the smallest cars in the world at the time of its production. Launched in 1937, three models were produced until 1955, all with slight mechanical and aesthetic modifications. It was equipped with a four-cylinder, side-valve block, with a water-cooled engine mounted in front of the front axle, of 569 cm3 and was therefore a car produced and sold on a large scale, being a frequent alternative to a Cyclecar. . The radiator was fitted behind the engine, giving it a more aerodynamic profile. At the time, competitors were using an almost vertical, flat grille. Initially fitted with elliptical springs in the rear suspension, this solution was abandoned because users exaggerated the load capacity of the small car, designed to carry just two people. In later models, they chose to modify the chassis to allow the use of more robust semi-elliptical springs. With a power output of around 13 bhp, its top speed was around 85 km/ h, and it could achieve around 6. 00 L/ 100 km. The recommended price when the car was planned was 5, 000 lire. Later, in the 1930s, the Topolino was sold for around 8, 900 lira. Although more expensive than originally planned, Topolino has always been competitively priced. Our Belvedere dates from 1954, was imported from Sweden about two and a half years ago and underwent a thorough restoration at no cost. We have, for consultation, the file with detailed photos of all the phases of the vehicle's recovery. You will hardly find a FIAT 500C Topolino Belvedere in better condition than ours, which was registered in Portugal with a period number plate and is awaiting certification as a vehicle of historic interest by the Portuguese Antique Automobile Club.