Fiat, 1953, 500 C Topolino, trasformabile

Fiat “ 500 Topolino, tipo C, trasformabile”, 1953

This Fiat Topolino 500 C, is the last in the series, produced from 1949 and presented at the Geneva Motor Show of the same year. Compared to the 1947 Fiat 500 Topolino type A exhibited at the Museo Nicolis, the bodywork is more modern: headlights recessed in the wheel arches, a newly designed front grille, no spare wheel on the tail in favour of a special internal compartment. The chassis and engine remain unchanged. Curiously enough, this ‘convertible saloon’ was the basic model, equipped with a canvas roof: to get the saloon with a sheet metal roof, a higher sum had to be paid and delivery times were also longer. The ‘Giardiniera’ version with wooden sides was noted, and in 1951 was replaced by the ‘Belvedere’ version with metal sides, an innovation that increased sales. Success was not long in coming, not only because of its ability to carry four people with luggage, but also thanks to the possibility of folding down the rear backrest for commercial use. In 1955 it left the scene to the successful 600 like the one in the Museo Nicolis: 1965 Fiat Coupè Viotti 600 D.

Curiosity - the ‘500 C’ was the 100th FIAT passenger car model. The ‘Topolino’ was also produced abroad, under license, in plants associated with FIAT, or through joint ventures.