This past summer my wife and I spent several weeks traveling through Italy. One of the popular cars there for years has been the Fiat 500. The original Fiat 500, the Topolino, Italian for Mouse, was produced in 1936. It was a front engine/rear wheel drive vehicle and one of the smallest cars in the world at that time. The Topolino was sold up until 1955. Shortly thereafter it was redesigned with intention geared towards utilitarian transportation for the masses. The redesigned 500, the Nuova or new, was released for public consumption in 1957 and was often referred to as the “bambino”. The new 500 was an air cooled rear engine design with 479cc that put out just over 13hp, and obtained over 52mpg. It’s obvious that it was intended to be an affordable, economical, stylish yet practical city car. The newer design of the 500 was reminiscent in size, style, and popularity to the Austin Mini, the Citroen 2CV, as well as the Volkswagen Beetle. The 500 was produced up until 1975.
