Lot Ended
Description
Fully restored to show-winning condition; believed to be one of only
six in the UK; Mille Miglia eligible; a super example of this rare and quirky
Fiat
Launched in
1936, the Fiat 500 (better known as the Topolino or 'Little Mouse') was a
masterpiece of packaging that offered generous interior space within a tiny and
immensely charming bodyshell.
Largely the work of Dante Giacosa, it was
powered by a 569cc four-cylinder, side-valve, water-cooled engine mounted ahead
of the front axle, with the radiator located behind the engine where it doubled
as the interior heater. Transmission was via a four-speed all-synchromesh
gearbox, with independent front suspension, 12-volt electrics and Lockheed
hydraulic brakes. Although it developed a modest 13bhp, it could still reach
55mph and cover 50 miles on a single gallon of petrol.
By 1948 it had gained overhead valves and in 1950 was given a major
make-over as the 500C, gaining an aluminium cylinder head, a stiffer chassis and
more robust suspension to cope with the increased 60mph
performance.
A full width front grille and a
larger boot area modernised the looks, whilst a conventional heater as standard
equipment attracted new buyers too. When compared to the British competition,
the 61mph top speed of the 500C was nothing special, but on the road it would
run rings around them thanks to its sophisticated suspension and fabulous
brakes, illustrating just how brilliant the original design had been. In fact it
was so good that it was even raced at the Mille Miglia in period.
Dating from 1954, this Belvedere comes with
documentation stating that it was fully restored in Italy before being imported
to the UK and registered here in October 2019. Formerly owned by a Fiat
dealership in Cleckheaton, it has reputedly been driven to various shows and
scooped a few trophies along the way, including Car of the Show at YTCC Batley
in 2022 and Car of the Show at Auto Italia Carlton Towers in
2023.
There are a few invoices for new parts
fitted since arriving in the UK, including new drive shaft joints, distributor
cap, brake cylinder and anti-roll bar bushes in October 2022. Notes also state
that it was fully serviced and the carb overhauled in 2023, while most recently
it had a new battery in September 2024.
The
previous owner acquired the car from Belvoir Classics of Melton Mowbray in
August 2022, the invoice showing that he paid £10,250. Our vendor acquired the
car in September 2024 and it has been kept in storage as part of his collection
since. We are told that it is in good running order but we have not had it
running on site.
Other documents with the car
include a copy of an old Italian registration document giving details of two
previous owners, one in Rome in 2006 and another when the car moved to Firenze
in 2012. There is also a Dating Certificate from The Fiat Register and an
original owner’s handbook.
As you can see in the
photos, this rare and charming Fiat looks to be in wonderful condition for a
72-year-old and is also Mille Miglia eligible. On offer here at a very tempting
guide price, it would sit well in any Italian car
collection.
Consigned
by James Dennison – 07970 309907 –
james.dennison@brightwells.com