Lot 142: Fiat 500 D

Always a basic car, the Fiat 500 was in fact it so tinder-powered when launched in 1957 that even Italians gave it the cold shoulder. In comparison to rival countries' offerings, such as the Citroen 2CV and the Morris/Austin Mini that appeared just two years later, the 500 was out of date almost from the start. Most small cars could offer similar economy and just as much interior space while having that useful extra refinement for long journeys, but none of those rivals was quite as small as the Fiat. It was the ultimate town car, and its tiny dimensions and cheeky good looks soon won an enormous following among minimalist motorists around the world. Indeed, the Fiat 500 was a true successor to the Fiat Topolino which had been part of the Italian culture since 1936. The bubble-like shape of the 500 had already been pioneered by the Fiat 600 of 1955, a conventional small family saloon with a water-cooled, four cylinder engine. In contrast, the 500 was almost a micro car with its air-cooled vertical twin cylinder motor and seating for two adults and a number of children only. This 500 rolled off the Fiat production line in 1965 and is a rare and sought-after early 'suicide door' model. With just one registered owner from new, this is a fantastically originally car and it is described by the vendor as being in excellent mechanical order throughout. Finished in white with a blue vinyl interior and the characteristic folding sunroof, this cute 500 is offered with Italian registration documents. Questa 500 uscì dalla linea di produzione nel 1965 ed è una delle rare e ricercate con le porte controvento. Di un unico proprietario, che l'ha mantenuta in condizioni eccezionalmente originali, ci viene descritta con una meccanica complessivamente eccellente. Rifinita in bianco con interni in vinile blu e il caratteristico tettuccio pieghevole, questa graziosa 500 è offerta con documenti italiani.