1954 Fiat 500C 'Topolino' Belvedere

Registration No: 240 UYH
Chassis No: 487623
MOT: Exempt

• Steel-bodied three-door Wagon built on the hugely successful Fiat 500 ‘Topolino’
• A resident of the Como area of Italy for the majority of its life
• Subject to a comprehensive restoration in Italy prior to importation into the UK
• Potentially eligible for the prestigious Mille Miglia Storica, Fiat Belvederes having been raced in period

Introduced in 1936, the Fiat 500 was an advanced design for its day. Able to boast such niceties as Lockheed hydraulic brakes, independent front suspension, and 12v electrics, the newcomer helped redefine buyers' expectations in the small car market. With a compact 569cc four-cylinder engine positioned ahead of its front axle, the baby Fiat had a somewhat distinctive snout and was soon nicknamed the ‘Topolino' (or 'little mouse'). Reputedly capable of 50mph and 50mpg despite a modest 13bhp power output, the 500 quickly established itself as an integral part of contemporary Italian culture (a process helped by its antics at various sporting events including the Mille Miglia). Débuting at the March, 1949, Geneva Motor Show, the 500C was visually distinguished by its ‘wide-mouth' grille and near flush-fitting headlamps sunk into the front wings. Under the skin, it benefited from a new aluminium cylinder head and improved heating and ventilation system. Only in production for five years, the 500C nevertheless secured an impressive 376,371 sales.

This 1954 500C Belvedere estate car may not be the first thing that springs to mind when one thinks of the Mille Miglia, but 500s were among the most numerous entries on the grid, for one simple reason: they were a cheap way for car-mad Italians to go racing. Furthermore, within the small-capacity classes, they could be quite competitive. A number of Belvedere estates even participated in period, meaning that this charming example could potentially be eligible for the Mille Miglia Storica.

It is understood to have resided in the Como area of Italy for most of its life, with evidence in the form of some early Italian documents which appear to pertain to the original owner, as well as Automobile Club d’Italia membership. It arrived in Britain in 2014, immediately following a restoration in Italy, which was said to be “to original specification and retaining most of its original parts.” The present owner is the fourth since it was imported, and he has effected much recent maintenance including fitting four new Michelin radial tyres, a new master cylinder, and assorted new bushes, as well as overhauling the brakes and having the radiator recored. Consequently, it presents as a very fine example of a practical, fun and unusual classic.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452