Fiat 500 (1951)

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This adorable Topolino comes with an extensive history file including period pictures and documentation from the Mille Miglia Museum Archive in Brescia Reliable, restored example. A pleasure to drive on twisty roads, city streets, or in historic rallies like the Mille Miglia An authentic piece of Italian motoring history, ready to be driven and enjoyed Benefits from tasteful performance upgrades Successfully competing in the 2018, 2019 and 2021 Mille Miglia While behind the wheel of this tiny time machine, it’s easy to imagine cruising the Amalfi Coast with a charming companion or waiting nervously for the start of the 1953 Mille Miglia where this Fiat 500C participated in the enthusiastically crowded Turismo Nazionale 750 class. The origins of the car are interesting, in 1930 Benito Mussolini spoke with Giovanni Agnelli about the imperative need to produce a low-cost car for the masses. It would be good “propaganda”, followed by Adolf Hitler’s Germany, where Ferdinand Porsche was called to put Volkswagen, “people’s car”, into production. The car was to cost less than 5.000 Italian Lire: a difficult task. The FIAT chief designer, Antonio Fessia, entrusted the task to a young Dante Giacosa, who took over the previous Balilla project by simplifying every detail: the body lines were inspired by the Fiat1500 with a tapered hood. Giacosa’s aeronautical experience inspired the lightened two-rail chassis, with the engine (569 cc, 4 cylinders, side valve) mounted cantilevered to improve space. Everyone called the car “Topolino”, for its size and muzzle similar to a mouse, or more precisely to Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse. In any case, the official name remained FIAT 500. The final price of 8.900 Italian Lire was higher than the target and very high for an ordinary worker, but the car sold. In 1938 the quarter elliptical rear leaf springs (the so-called “balestrino” or “balestra corta”) became normal semi-elliptical leaf springs to improve load capacity. In 1948 the vehicle saw major changes with the “500 B” model, featuring overhead valves, improvements to the chassis and new heating. A new version became available, the “Giardiniera Belvedere”, a small “woody” station wagon. In 1949 there was the final change, with the “500 C” model. The front part of the bodywork took on a more modern style, the engine received an aluminum cylinder head. The small “Topolino” is one of the world’s best known cars. It was a car designed to be minimal and economical, but it seems that everyone wanted to use it to race. The Topolino was often modified, little or radically, for races. Production of the sedan lasted until 1954, replaced by the FIAT 600. ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE It all began on 29th June 1952, when Mr. Giacomelli Arturo, a resident of Padova, purchased this Fiat Topolino. The gentleman drove successfully in the 1953 Mille Miglia together to his codriver Mr. Gemo Antonio at an average speed of 85.68 km/h which was off-course amazing in 1953. Shortly after the race, on 10th July 1953, the car changed hands but remained in Padova, owned by Mr. Modesto Lunardi. Several years later, in 1961, the Topolino was purchased by another gentleman from Padova, Mr. Miro Barollo, who owned it until 31st August 1976, when, curiously, it returned to its former owner, Mr. Lunardi. A further owner resident in Padova followed in 1990, Mr. Bruno Capovilla. An ‘ACI Estratto Cronologico’ clarifies that the ‘Topolino’ passed through a modest chain of Italian owners. In 1998, a new chapter opened as the car left Padova for Pisa, Tuscany, while still remaining true to its Italian roots. In 2017, the Topolino was exported to the Netherlands, where it was welcomed with the same enthusiasm and care. Under its Dutch ownership, the Topolino proudly returned to its roots, successfully competing in the 2018, 2019 and 2021 Mille Miglia.