With the success of the Fiat 600, Fiat wanted to expand the line with an even smaller, more efficient car. The answer came in 1957 with the Fiat 500. Based on the 600, the 500 measured only 9 feet, 9 inches long, could seat four and was powered by a 2-cylinder, air-cooled engine measuring 479, 499, or 594cc and backed by a 4-speed manual transmission. The 500 turned out to be even more successful than the 600, with a lower price point and more efficient running costs, it appealed to a broader market around the world, even built under license in various countries, but especially in Italy. Fiat expanded the 500 lineup with the Sport, Nuova, 500 D, 500 F, 500 R, Giardiniera and Furgoncino among others; to say it was popular and a model that sustained a few changes is an understatement. By the 1970s, emissions, safety and efficiency standards would be on the rise, and Fiat had to consider a major investment to upgrade the 500 or replace it with a more modern vehicle. Replacement was chosen, and in 1973 the Fiat 126 was introduced, although the 500 remained in production until 1975. This 1973 500 is powered by the 479cc engine and is presented in bright red with a black interior and matching optional sliding ragtop. Fitted with the luggage rack, twin sideview mirrors, it rolls on whitewall tires with silver-painted steel wheels and chrome hubcaps. An exercise in simplicity, the 500 is fitted with bucket seats, a simple instrument and light cluster and few amenities—it was, after all, one of the world’s most efficient, cost effective cars ever built. Filled with personality and verve, Fiat 500s have long proven to be a fantastic city car, with a robust chassis and body, and a diminutive size that makes parking a breeze and negotiating traffic simple.
