The Fiat 500 (Italian: cinquecento, Italian pronunciation: ['t?i?kwe't??nto]) is a car produced by the Fiat company of Italy between 1957 and 1975, with limited production of the Fiat 500 K estate continuing until 1977. The car was designed by Dante Giacosa. Launched as the Nuova 500 in July 1957,[2] it was marketed as a cheap and practical town car. Measuring only 3 meters (10 feet) long, and originally powered by a tiny 479 cc two-cylinder, air-cooled engine, the 500 redefined the term "small car" and is considered one of the first city cars. To meet the demands of the post-war market which called for economy cars, the Fiat 500 was rear-engined on the pattern of the Volkswagen Beetle, just like its bigger brother, the 1955 Fiat 600. Several car makers followed this now nearly vanished design at the time and were quite successful, but only the Fiat 500 was used as the template for other car makers in Europe. The Neckar version manufactured in Heilbronn under a complicated deal involving NSU, was introduced in October 1961.[2] In Upper Austria the firm of Steyr-Puch also produced cars based, by agreement, on the Fiat 500. Despite its diminutive size, the 500 proved to be an enormously practical and popular vehicle throughout Europe. Besides the two-door coup�, it was also available as the "Giardiniera" station wagon; this variant featured the standard engine laid on its side, the wheelbase lengthened by 10 cm (4 in) which yielded a usable rear seat, a full-length sunroof, and larger brakes from the Fiat 600. Production of the 500 ended in 1975, although its replacement, the Fiat 126, was launched two years earlier. The 126 was never as popular as its predecessor in Italy, but was (and still is) enormously popular in the former Eastern Bloc countries, where it is famed for mechanical durability and fuel economy. With two former keepers since being first registered in October 2003, this car has had the same owner since February 2004. It is currently M.O.T?d until February 2010 and it read 5148 miles at its last M.O.T (February 2009). Since taking delivery of the car in 2004, the cars most recent owner has spent in excess of �13000 enhancing/maintaining the car to its current excellent condition. Excellent throughout, inside and out it?s file backs this up with a thorough log of invoices relating to various work done. Its most recent enhancements saw the car have the following installed: - - Kenwood radio.- Classic aerial.- Dash cover.- All black Abarth Steering Wheel.- Alloy Abarth gear knob.Other notable work carried out includes a replaced fuel tank, carried out in a service in March 2009. Its wings have also been stripped back and there are no longer any traces of corrosion. There has also been welding work carried out where required. Petrol
Colour: Red
Right-hand Drive
