The Fiat 500 Topolino wa replaced in 1957 by the Dante Giacosa-designed Fiat 500. It was launched as the 'Nuova 500' to distinguish it from the Topolino model. A 2-cylinder air-cooled engine of just 479cc sat in the tail and drove the rear wheels, but an optional 499cc unit was offered and this was standard from 1960. Other power units were offered by Abarth and Steyr Puch. Fiat 500s were made under licence by NSU in Germany (Neckar) and by Steyr Puch in Austria. The 'Nuova' name was lost in 1960 when the larger 499cc engine was fitted amongst other improvements. In 1965 the 'suicide doors' were finally replaced by front-hinged doors. An estate car 'Giardiniera' was available from 1960 to 1970. Fiat experimented with the Fiat 500 recipe and produced the Autobianchi Bianchina to sell at a higher price than the 500. In 1973 the rear-engined Fiat 126 replaced the Fiat 500.
Fiat Nuovo 500 1962 - badge on engine cover
Fiat 500D 1963 - badge on nose
Fiat 500L 1970 - badge on nose
Fiat 500L 1971 - badge on nose
Fiat 500L 1971 - badge on engine cover
Fiat Nuovo 500 1962
Fiat 500K 1965 Giardiniera
Fiat 500L 1970 with over-riders for the Lusso model
Fiat 500 L. Following on from the succesful Fiat 600, the 500 took the same recipe but made it smaller.
Fiat Nuovo 500 1962, still with suicide doors
Fiat 500D 1963, The 500D was introduced in 1960 with the engine upgraded to 499cc
Fiat 500K 1965 Giardiniera. Lengthened and re-engineered as a load carrier the Giardiniera was built from 1960 until 1975, with later versions being badged 'Autobianchi'. The Giardiniera retained the 'suicide' doors throughout production.
Fiat 500K 1965 Giardiniera. Fiat altered the engine to go flat under the floor allowing a useful loadspace through the rear door.
Fiat 500L 1970, Chrome highlights and over-riders mark out the 'Lusso' model from 1968.
Fiat 500L 1971
Fiat 500D 1963. The Fiat 500 carried rear-hinged ('suicide doors') from launch in 1957 until 1965 when the 500F went into production
Fiat 500K 1965 Giardiniera. The Estate Car or 'Giardiniera' was introduced in 1960 with a wheelbase lengthened by 10cm and the engine altered to go flat under the floor.
Fiat 500L 1971. From 1965 the Fiat 500 was given a front-hinged door in place of the older 'suicide' door.
Fiat 500 1963. By 1963 the Fiat 500D had received an upgraded 499cc flat-twin engine derived from the Fiat 500 Sport but detuned.
Fiat 500L 1970. The 'L' or 'Lusso' model was introduced in 1968, mechanically identical but with better trim and chrome styling
