Description
Desirable Trasformabile model with suicide doors Delivered new in Italy Restored model Superb condition LA 500D With the exception of a Ferrari, no car is more recognisably classically Italian than the FIAT 500. Replacing FIAT's much-loved 500 'Topolino', the Nuova 500 made its debut in 1957. A radical departure from the pre-war design of its predecessor, FIAT's new baby featured unitary construction, a full-length open fabric roof (trasformabile) and fully independent suspension, while carrying its engine at the rear. The 479 cm3 engine was an air-cooled OHV twin-cylinder, the first used by FIAT, and the gearbox was four-speed. The austerity of the basic 500 - it was known as the 'Economica' - was not well received, leading to the rapid introduction of a revised and better-equipped model, which appeared towards the end of 1957 at the Turin Motor Show. Improvements to this less spartan version included wind-up windows, an upholstered rear seat, column-mounted gearshift pedals and hubcaps. Introduced in 1960, the 500D used the 499. 5cc engine of the 500 Sport in a detuned form, which nevertheless provided a slight increase in power. With the introduction of the 500D, the short sunroof, first seen on the Sport, became available on the standard saloon. The Nuova 500 was a huge success for FIAT, and by the time production ceased in 1975, almost 3, 000, 000 of these adorable little cars had been sold. The original FIAT 500 remains as popular today as it ever was, and was recently voted 'sexiest car' by readers of the UK's Top Gear motoring magazine. THIS 500D This FIAT 500D Trasformabile was sold new in Italy in 1964. It arrived in the UK in 2015, where it has competed in several classic car events - including the London to Brighton race - which are well documented. The current owner, a keen classic car collector, had been looking for a car of this type for some time. When it became available in 2019, he seized the opportunity. When not in use, the car has been carefully stored in a heated garage with other classics and only driven in dry, salt-free weather. Presented in the charming Verde Acquamarina colour combination over a tan interior, this 500D has clearly benefited - albeit without formal documentation - from an extensive, high-quality restoration.
In its standard configuration, the roof folds only partially, but this model is equipped with the 'Trasformabile' roof, which retracts completely towards the rear boot, like the one we have here. The folding canvas soft top is in excellent condition, with no tears or holes, and the car also retains its rear-hinged 'suicide' doors. While the name may sound dramatic (although we recommend making sure they're properly locked before setting off), they actually make entry and exit much more graceful, especially for those accessing the back seat. Inside, the cabin is superbly presented, having been refitted in recent years. The seats and door panels are covered in superb tan vinyl, complemented by cream upper panels and piping. These Trasformabile variants are increasingly difficult to find and are among the most collectible Fiat 500 models. Today, this example is in excellent condition and ready to be enjoyed. With its inimitable Italian charm, characterful twin-cylinder engine and 'la dolce vita' spirit, this Fiat 500D is sure to delight its next owner, wherever they choose to drive it. The car is currently registered in Belgium and is being sold on behalf of a customer.
