FIAT500 C BELVEDERE 1954 Chassis: 479003 Odometer... Lot 16

FIAT500 C BELVEDERE 1954 Chassis: 479003 Odometer reading: 85988 km. Fully restored car Last series version, the most powerful Attractive color combination Better equipped than many cars twice its size, the FIAT 500, soon nicknamed 'Mickey Mouse,' brought a degree of high refinement hitherto unknown to small cars when it was launched in 1936. Lockheed hydraulic brakes, independent front suspension and a 12-volt electrical system were among its features while an engine mounted in front of the front axle helped maximize cabin space for the two occupants. The four-cylinder 569 cc, side-valve engine produced a modest 13 hp, but because the Topolino weighed just over half a ton, it could still achieve a respectable speed of over 50 mph (80 km/h) under favorable conditions. For most buyers, however, frugal fuel consumption would have been the main attraction. Introduced in 1946, the 500B was equipped with a more powerful overhead-valve engine (16.5 hp) that would be transferred to the last incarnation of the Topolino: the revamped 500C of 1949, which was the first FIAT model to offer a standard heating/demisting system. At the same time as the introduction of the 500B, a station wagon Giardiniera (also known as the Belvedere) was added to the lineup, offering a four-seat layout and more luggage space. Equipped with the superior overhead-valve engine, these later Topolinos were true 100-mph cars. Very impressed with the capabilities of the little FIAT, Autocar concluded its 1949 test report on a Giardiniera in a very favorable way called 'round utility,' which pretty much sums up its appeal today. This fully restored car is finished in attractive green with a tan interior and canvas roof. Generally solid, it is offered with Italian registration papers. FIAT500 C BELVEDERE 1954 Fully restored car Last series version, the most powerful Attractive color combination No reserve Better equipped than many cars twice its size, the FIAT 500, soon nicknamed 'Topolino' (mouse), brought a degree of refinement hitherto unknown to small cars when launched in 1936. Lockheed hydraulic brakes, independent front suspension and 12-volt electrics, were all features while an engine mounted ahead of the front axle helped maximize cabin space for the two occupants. The 569cc, four-cylinder, side valve motor produced a modest 13bhp, but as the Topolino weighed little more than half a ton it could nevertheless manage a respectable 80 km/h-plus under favorable conditions. For most buyers though, the frugal fuel consumption would have been the major attraction. Introduced in 1946, the 500B featured a more powerful (16.5bhp) overhead-valve engine that would be carried over to the Topolino's final incarnation, the restyled 500C of 1949, which was the first FIAT model to offer a heating/de-misting system as standard. At the same time as the 500B was introduced, a Giardiniera estate car (also known as the Belvedere) was added to the range, offering four-seat accommodation as well as increased luggage space Equipped with the superior overhead-valve engine, these later Topolinos were genuine 100km/h (60mph) cars, though no less economical than their predecessors. Highly impressed by the little FIAT's capabilities, Autocar concluded its 1949 test report on a Giardiniera most favorably: '...this exceptionally small car is a highly attractive proposition, whether it be judged on the score of pleasure in driving, economy or all-round utility,' which pretty much sums up its appeal today. This car, comprehensively restored, is attractively finished in green with tan interior and fabric roof. Generally solid, it is offered with Italian registration documents.