Lot 109: Fiat 500

The modern Fiat Topolino or 500 Nuova was first seen in 1957, although the 600/600D and 600 Multipla were available in 1955. The early cars were equipped with a gutless, 479cc, air-cooled twin, which could barely get the car and driver up a modest incline, let alone the three passengers it was designed to carry. Fortunately the 499cc engine, which replaced the original, was a little sewing machine and gave the 500 a 55mph cruising speed.Nearly 3,000,000 500's were built between 1957 and 1975, mainly bought by Italians as a cheap run-a-bout, although a few did find their way to other countries.This 1970 example was imported in 2003 and is said to be in good condition. It is equipped with the roll back sunroof and has the traditional, twin cylinder, 499cc, air cooled engine mounted at the rear.A masterpiece of design, these diminutive little Fiat's gave millions of Italians the freedom of the road and could sometimes be seen with alarming numbers of occupants.Offered complete with long MoT through to Dec 2007, the car is eligible for historic tax and is offered complete with the original, Italian, registration a some bills.The door decals will be removed before the sale.