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FIAT 500 TOPOLINO COUPE – A SERIES For Sale (1936) edit C94785 | | | Chassis Number 500-025533
Engine Number 500-026644
Registration Number NSJ 824
Coachwork colour Burgundy & Black
Interior Light tan leather seats with dark tan carpeting
Milometer reading 26,818
Right Hand Drive
Specification
Four cylinder in-line, water cooled. Bore & Stroke 52mm x 67mm, 569cc
Two bearing cast iron block with detachable cast iron cylinder head – two side valves per cylinder from single cam shaft in cylinder block. Single side draught Solex carburettor.
Maximum power 13bhp @ 4000rpm.
Four speed manual synchromesh gearbox in-line with front mounted engine.
Open propeller shaft to spiral-bevel ‘live’ rear axle. Separate light weight press steel chassis frame with tubular and cross bracing.
Independant front suspension by Transverse Leaf Spring and wishbones.
Rear suspension quarter-elliptic cantilever leaf springs and radius arms, hydraulic piston dampers and four wheel hydraulic drum brakes.
15” press steel wheels with 4.00 x 15 tyres.
4.5 gallon gravity fed fuel tank.
Maximum speed 50mph, 40/45mpg
When the Fiat design team of Dante Giacosa and Franco Fessia launched their new Fiat 500 ‘La Topolino’ (Baby Mouse) on 7th April 1936 they established the first new landmark in utility motoring since Herbert Austin’s 7 back in 1922. The secret of success for this sensational new small family car was the design concept for a big car in miniature. It used a four cylinder side valve engine, four speed synchromesh gearbox and superb hydraulic brakes. 12 volt electrics and its independent front suspension ensured excellent road holding and became a cult car overnight and a great favourite with the then top racing drivers such as Earl Howe, Prince Bira, Dick Seaman etc. Even the famous pre-war Brooklands Race Circuit organised fun races for these standard cars which created great interest with the public. International Rally’s such as the Monte Carlo, RAC and even the Mille Miglia attracted entries, the car became a firm favourite with the specialist tuning market. Amedee Gordini, the French race car specialist became the leading company providing numerous performance enhanced components. The French version of the Tipolino was the Simca Cinq and with Gordini parts was a very quick motor car. The chassis and suspension of the Topolino formed the basis of the exciting post-war Formula III 500cc racing which Cooper Car Company and young Stirling Moss dominated in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s.
This very early and now extremely rare first series A, 1936 Fiat 500 Topolino Coupe must be one of the earliest right hand drive examples to be imported and to date has only had four owners. The speedo reading of 26,818 is believed to be correct and the car was fully restored and repainted some fourteen years ago and has been in the present ownership for the past 11 years with only the occasional use, although competed on a major East Anglian Rally without any problems. There is a large past invoices file giving full information concerning the mechanical rebuild covering the chassis and engine, also has drivers manual and other useful periodicals. The body is in traditional burgundy with black wings and spare wheel cover, light tan leather seats which are in excellent condition with contrasting dark tan carpeting covering the rear panel and transmission tunnel. Buff colour door panels and roof lining. Has recently had a set of new tyres plus new battery and will have a new MOT when sold.
This is a prime example of the famous original Fiat 500 Topolino which has become very collectable and great fun, representing the best of the past Motor Industries small car models and therefore of historical importance. Interest has increased considerably with Fiat’s recent introduction of their new 500 model which owes its DNA directly back to this 1936 model. The car has a great aura and patina about it and has to be one of the most original Series A Fiat 500 Topolino’s. A rare opportunity to own one of these very rare and highly sought after cars – a credit to anyone’s classic car collection.
Please telephone for further information or email telephone number and we will phone you back.
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