The Fiat 500 . . . loved by many Americans although many more wonder why is definitely still our favorite miniature Italian. Perhaps it’s because it shares the same birthday as the United States . . . 4th July . . . or perhaps it’s because it’s just a great little car which oozes with charm and personality.
The Fiat 500 Topolino was first unveiled in 1936 and to be honest looked nothing like the range of Fiat 500’s you’ll see from the showrooms at fiat santa ana nowadays. It was much bigger and uglier compared to the compact pocket rocket today but nevertheless turned out to be a great success selling more than 500,000 models.
If you will , fiat made the decision to ditch the bulky appearance of the motor in 1955 and select something which was altogether more stylish and sophisticated, more Italian. . . enter the Fiat more, smaller and 600 attractive than the Topolino. It had smooth lines, round headlights and a quirky body and proved to be incredibly popular until it was finally removed from the market place in 1969. Even the best things go and come throughout history.
All was not lost because somewhere along the line the fabulous Fiat 500 was born, first hitting the roads on 4th July 1957 anyway. . . okay, do the math, 58 years ago. Out of the ashes of the 600 chassis they developed this brand new car – it wasn’t a variant but an entirely new concept. It had a two cylinder engine and a cloth roof . . . well, I did point out that it was greater than a little bit different.
The car became an instant success and quickly established itself as one of the most popular little cars in Europe but, by 1975 it’s popularity was usurped by the up and coming Fiat 126 as well as the 500 nameplate was put into retirement. How could they are doing such a thing? Whose idea was it to replace the splendid Fiat 500 with the 126.
All was not lost though and, in 2007 almost 50 years after hitting the original market set the Fiat 500 was once again hitting the streets of Italy and the remainder of Europe, finally making its way throughout the pond in the year 2011 thanks to the new alliance between Chrysler and Fiat . . . the brainchild of Sergio Marchionne.
Not every one of them will readily admit to it, though modern Americans do enjoy a love affair with this little Italian motor. You can’t imagine a vehicle which is much further away from the generalized take a look at American motors – the American muscle – gas guzzling super cars and an important part from the All American Dream along with the history of motoring in America.
This iconic little motor is definitely the exact opposite – it’s small, it’s nippy, it’s very economical to run, it’s extremely economical to buy and you will even park it inside the smallest of spaces. What’s not to love by the newer breed of environmentally aware Americans . . . along with the financial benefits.
At OC Fiat they’ve got a great range of Fiat cars, none Fiat cars, new cars and pre-owned cars . . . with a whole lot on the iconic Fiat 500. These cars put the fun back into driving, they really are definitely the ultimate “pocket rocket” and ooze Italian style, sophistication and class . . . albeit inside a smaller package than we may be used to.