Description
She (Noddy) underwent over 3, 000 hours of full nut-and-bolt restoration in 2012, and she still looks and runs amazingly today, as can be seen in the pictures.
The original 500, commonly known as ‘Topolino’ (Italian for ‘Little Mouse’) was launched in 1936, and manufactured in Turin, Italy. One of the smallest cars in the world at the time, it still managed to become a staple of Italian life for many. A practical, economical and charming vehicle that started the famous ‘500’ line of vehicles from FIAT.
This particular vehicle was built at the request of a woman travelling with her husband in Sicily. Upon seeing the Topolino’s on the road, she went directly to the factory and asked if they would be able to build one in Right Hand Drive - They could - And the vehicle was subsequently built and shipped to Southampton as what I believe to be the first factory RHD Topolino.
In 2012, it changed hands and was in need of restoration. Over 3000 hours went into rebuilding this car into the stunning Topolino that you see today - Every part of the car was overhauled, and great lengths were taken to maintain as much originality as possible, down to re-registering the car with the original registration, which has been on this vehicle for now 88 years. After restoration, it gathered a huge amount of attention, starring in numerous news articles and FIAT owners literature - Now one of only 4 1937 Topolino’s still registered, and a rare factory RHD car, this beautiful FIAT is now ready to be enjoyed and shown by it’s new custodian.
There is so much paper works from 1983 through to today with Noddy and also fully documented details and imagery of the full restoration.
Thank you for reading and any questions or want to view please just give me a call.
Many thanks,
RichardNoddy is the first ever RHD Topolino to leave the Fiat factory and at the time was a one off production. Only 3 former keepers from new.
