1962 Fiat Nuova 500
Engine: 2-cylinder
Capacity: 499.5 cc
Max. powered output: 17.5 bhp at 4400 rpm
Max. speed: 95 km/h.
Weight : 450 kg
The Fiat 500 (Italian: Cinquecento) was a city car produced by the Italian manufacturer Fiat between 1957 and 1975.
Launched as the Nuova (new) 500 in July 1957, it was a cheap and practical town car. Measuring only 2.97 metres (9 feet 9 inches) long, and originally powered by an appropriately sized 479 cc two-cylinder, air-cooled engine, the 500 redefined the term "small car" and is considered one of the first city cars.
In the summer of 1957 Fiat introduced the New 500, destined to repeat the success of the previous 500. The new model used the latest design techniques, such as integral body/chassis structure, al, round independent suspension and a rear engine. The engine was an air-cooled 2-cylinder unit, the first ever employed by Fiat. This car was born in Torino, in the Mirafiori plants, thanks to the highly talented young ing. Dante Giacosa, who was the responsible of the project.
Intended for those who until then had afforded only a bicycle, the new model did not receive an enthusiastic welcome on the market, due perhaps to its too high a cost (465,000 lire). The consequence was that at the Torino Show that year the 500 became available in two versions.
One was the basic version as originally introduced except that power output was increased and the second version additionally improved body features. A great success developed rapidly: more than 3,5 millions of Fiat 500 were built in twenty years.
The model on display has belonged to President of Italy Sandro Pertini. His family gave the car the Città di Torino.
Capacity: 499.5 cc
Max. powered output: 17.5 bhp at 4400 rpm
Max. speed: 95 km/h.
Weight : 450 kg
The Fiat 500 (Italian: Cinquecento) was a city car produced by the Italian manufacturer Fiat between 1957 and 1975.
Launched as the Nuova (new) 500 in July 1957, it was a cheap and practical town car. Measuring only 2.97 metres (9 feet 9 inches) long, and originally powered by an appropriately sized 479 cc two-cylinder, air-cooled engine, the 500 redefined the term "small car" and is considered one of the first city cars.
In the summer of 1957 Fiat introduced the New 500, destined to repeat the success of the previous 500. The new model used the latest design techniques, such as integral body/chassis structure, al, round independent suspension and a rear engine. The engine was an air-cooled 2-cylinder unit, the first ever employed by Fiat. This car was born in Torino, in the Mirafiori plants, thanks to the highly talented young ing. Dante Giacosa, who was the responsible of the project.
Intended for those who until then had afforded only a bicycle, the new model did not receive an enthusiastic welcome on the market, due perhaps to its too high a cost (465,000 lire). The consequence was that at the Torino Show that year the 500 became available in two versions.
One was the basic version as originally introduced except that power output was increased and the second version additionally improved body features. A great success developed rapidly: more than 3,5 millions of Fiat 500 were built in twenty years.
The model on display has belonged to President of Italy Sandro Pertini. His family gave the car the Città di Torino.
