Vehicle Description
1950 Fiat 500C Topolinio The Fiat 500 model contributed
considerably to the expansion of Fiat in Italy in the 1930's. The
car's small, friendly appearance earned it the name "Topolino" or
"little mouse" (which was also the Italian name for Mickey Mouse).
It's low sales price when introduced ($320) and low cost of
maintenance made the car very popular...it put Italy on wheels!
Weighing in at just 1450 pounds, this 1950 500C is fitted with
four-wheel hydraulic brakes and a rebuilt 569cc (35 cubic inch)
inline four cylinder engine producing a "robust" 16.5 hp at 4400
rpm and 22 ft-lbs of torque at 2900 rpm. The engine is mated to a
four-speed manual transmission (3rd & 4th gears synchronized)
giving the Topolino an advertised top speed of 56 mph while getting
upwards of 40 mpg. While it is not a "speed-demon," it will get you
where you want to go with a smile on your face while receiving many
thumbs-up along the way. The Fiat 500C was offered in three body
styles: a coupe, a station wagon and a transformable convertible
with a fold-down roof for sunny days. Production was ended in 1955,
however during the twenty years of production, over half a million
Topolinos were produced in three generations, ending with the 500C
which had the most powerful over-head valve engine and updated
coachwork. In addition to its pleasing appearance and "brisk"
performance, when the hood is opened, the engine bay is one of the
most interesting arrangements. The engine is mounted forward of the
front axle with the radiator behind the engine, not in front of the
engine, and the gas tank behind the radiator. As a result, the
engine and gearbox take up very little room, providing for
exceptional leg room and passenger comfort with room for rear seat
passengers or luggage, while retaining compact exterior dimensions.
Even though over half a million Topolinos were produced, very few
were imported into the US and even fewer exist today. This Topolino
was purchased near Venice, Italy.
