Fiat 500 History
Here's a summary of the iconic Fiat 500 history that might make some interesting smalltalk during the wedding for you and some of your guests!
The Fiat 500 was designed by Dante Giacosa and introduced in 1957 as a successor to the Fiat 500 Topolino models A, B C - Topolino meaning "little mouse".
The first Fiat 500’s were made as an economical means of transportation without luxury and were designed as two-seaters, with suicide doors and a 479cc, 13 hp engine providing a top speed of 85 km/h (53 mph). This initial model was not a success, so Fiat introduced two new versions in December 1957: Economica and Normale
Both the Economic and Normale had a 15 hp engine, however the later had some cosmetic and functional improvements, such as wind-up windows, indicator controls on the steering column, chrome front light surrounds and more comfortable rear seats.
From 1958 through to 1960, Fiat promoted the Fiat 500 Sport. These had a 499cc engine with 21.5 horsepower and an all-in-one metal roof (the standard Fiat 500 versions had a fold-back canvass tops). It had improvements such as the steering wheel, air filter and carburettor. The colour scheme was white with red bands on each side.
Fiat 500 N (1958)
Introduced which was much improved, with opening sunroof and affordable for the masses. Here began the success of the Fiat 500 as we know it.
Fiat 500 D (1960 - 1965)
The D looks very similar to the Nuova, however there were some differences such as the sunroof does not fold back as far), it featured an ashtray, padded sun visors and a washer pump. It also had suicide doors and rear badge Fiat 500 nuova in joined-up writing and rubber floor mats.
Fiat 500 Giardiniera (K) (1960 - 1975)
This is the estate version of the Fiat 500 family. The engine was laid under the floor in the boot area to create a flat loading surface. The roof on this model stretched all the way back and did not stop above the driver as it did on other models of that era.
Fiat 500 F (1965 - 1968)
In March 1965 saw the introduction of the F. Out went the suicide doors (due to safety) sadly for the men who then went onto complain they couldn’t look at girls legs as they got in and out of the cars!). Also the silver trim on the bonnet and the doors disappeared. The rear lights where more square and the windscreen larger to improve driver visibility. The speedo was also modified up to 120 km/h showing less numbers than the D (The horsepower was 19). Rear badge ‘nuova 500’ in joined-up letters and rubber mats.
Fiat 500 L or Lusso - (1968 - 1972)
While the F and L are mechanically very similar, the key differences were the bumpers. The L has an extra chrome nudge bar at the front and two at the rear, a more modernised interior (seats and pleated door panels), a new black steering wheel, an almost square instrument panel with plastic revised dashboard, speedo up to 130km/h, reclining seats and carpeting. The rear badge FIAT 500L was in capital letters set on a silver mount.
Fiat 500 R or Rinnovata - (1972 – 1975)
Had a larger 594cc engine, out 23 hp (similar to the fiat 126) and a synchronised gearbox. The unique chrome nudge bars, as seen on the L models disappeared and Fiat mixed and matched the interior with the F model.
New Fiat 500 (2007)
The 4th of July 2007 saw the introduction of the new Fiat 500. The new Fiat 500 C is to be launched in the UK July 2009...comes with a canvass top.
