Fiat Topolino, 1953

Chassis No.: 420572

Engine No.: tbc

Registration: XSL 465

Sold £8,400 | Sold

If they dished out Oscars for cuteness, the adorable Topolino would surely be head of the queue. A masterpiece of minimalist engineering, it was the brainchild of Fiat boss Senator Giovanni Agnelli who, in 1934, envisaged a small mass produced ‘people’s car’ capable of carrying two people in comfort with 50kg (110lbs) of luggage. The task was entrusted to 29 year old Dante Giacosa, an ace engineer who had cut his teeth in Fiat’s aeronautical department and was now a fast rising star of the car division (by 1946 he was director of engineering for the whole company).

Launched in 1936, the resulting Fiat 500 (quickly dubbed the ‘Topolino’ or ‘Little Mouse’) was an instant classic, bristling with space saving ingenuity and engineering subtlety. The coachwork was largely the work of chief stylist, Rudolfo Schaffer, and not only looked gorgeous but also endowed the car with great strength when bolted to Giacosa’s chassis. It was powered by a 569cc four-cylinder, side valve, water-cooled engine mounted ahead of the front axle, with the radiator located behind the engine where it doubled as the interior heater. Although it developed a modest 13bhp, it could still reach 55mph and cover 50 miles on a single gallon of petrol.

Transmission was via a four-speed gearbox, with independent front suspension, 12 volt electrics and Lockheed hydraulic brakes. Best of all was the roll-top canvas roof which turned it into almost a full convertible.

This hugely desirable left hand drive example is presented in a wonderful colour combination and has been in the current vendors collection since 2012. During its current tenure, this Fiat has been used occasionally in the summer months and has always been dry stored during this time. In 2019 this Topolino was the subject of an extensive mechanical overhaul, including a full engine, gearbox and clutch rebuild, and new electrics, at a cost of circa £15,000. As such the vendor reports that this Fiat runs and drives very well indeed. It benefits from the delightful roll-top sunroof which is essential in the summer. A great little crowd pleaser which is practical and fun in town or in the country. Offered without reserve, this charming Topolino is sure to be keenly contested at auction.

Guide price £8,000 - £14,000

https://www.historics.co.uk/auction/lot/?lot=3634&au=73