18 hp, 99.5 cc two-cylinder engine, olex carburetor, our-speed manual
transmission, ndependent transverse leaf front and independent coil spring and
semi-trailing arm rear suspension, nd four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase:
72.4"
• Expert restoration
• The quintessential Cinquecento
• Italy’s
iconic micro car
From the time the Nuova 500, r as it is known throughout
the world, he ‘Cinquecento,’ was launched in 1957, t was wildly popular.
Millions of Italians first took to the road in four-wheel transport behind the
wheel of one of these diminutive Fiats during the period of economic recovery
that defined postwar Italy. During its production life, he 500 was steadily
developed, nd the 1965 introduction of the 500F came with front hinged doors,
an uprated 18 horsepower engine, more durable driveshaft, ifferential, nd
clutch, nd a more powerful heater.
This 500F, nown to the family of the
consignor as ‘Bibiana,’ resided in the same small Italian town for decades and
was formerly in the long-term ownership of one Alessia Nammicini, rom whom the
vendor purchased the car in 2011. A complete restoration was then done by a
small family-owned restoration shop in Liguria, taly, hich does fewer than 10
projects per year. Taken down to bare metal, ny traces of corrosion were
repaired, nd it was painted to a show-quality level. All bright trim has been
re-plated or polished, nd the interior has been completely redone in correct
factory finishes and colors. Mechanically, he transmission has been rebuilt and
all new brakes, lutch, nd wiring loom have been fitted.
Many consider the
500F the best model of the Cinquecento, s it combines the uprated mechanicals
with the early-type dashboard and simple seats, hich give the proper vintage
appearance. It is difficult to imagine that ‘Bibiana’ looked better when she
first left the Fiat factory in 1967 than she does now.