1963 Fiat 500 — The Original City Car
1963 Fiat 500 — The Original City Car
The Fiat 500, affectionately known as the “Cinquecento,” is one of the most beloved and recognizable cars ever built. Introduced in 1957 as the “Nuova 500” (New 500), it was designed to replace the pre-war Fiat 500 “Topolino” and bring motoring to the masses in post-war Italy.
Designed by the brilliant Dante Giacosa, the Nuova 500 was a revolutionary departure from its predecessor. Instead of a front-engine layout with a water-cooled engine, Giacosa opted for a rear-mounted, air-cooled two-cylinder engine. This allowed for a compact footprint — just 2.97 meters long — while still offering seating for four people (if you were friendly with your fellow passengers).
The 1963 model shown here is from the second series of the 500, featuring the upgraded 499 cc engine producing 18 hp (up from the original 13 hp) and the characteristic fabric sunroof that became a signature feature of the car.
A Personal Connection
I have to admit, I have my wife to thank for this post. She absolutely loves the look of the Fiat 500 — she thinks it is the cutest car ever made, and she’s not alone in that opinion. Every time we see one on the road, she points it out with genuine excitement. She has even mentioned that she would love to own the newer version of the 500 one day.
And honestly, I can see why. There’s something incredibly charming about the Fiat 500’s design. It’s cheerful, approachable, and full of personality — the automotive equivalent of a smile. The modern Fiat 500 (launched in 2007) beautifully captures the spirit of the original while adding modern reliability and comfort. It seems like the perfect city car, and I wouldn’t mind having one parked in our driveway either.
Under the Bonnet (Well, Under the Boot)
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 499 cc air-cooled two-cylinder |
| Power | 18 hp at 4,600 rpm |
| Torque | 24 lb-ft at 3,000 rpm |
| Top Speed | ~95 km/h (59 mph) |
| 0–100 km/h | Not really — it peaked at about 95 km/h |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Weight | ~500 kg (1,102 lbs) |
| Designer | Dante Giacosa |
| Production | 1957–1975 (~3.2 million) |
The engine was mounted longitudinally in the rear, with the gearbox placed ahead of it (between the rear seat and the engine). The valves were pushrod-operated, and the fan was driven by a belt from the crankshaft. It was simple, robust, and easy to maintain — exactly what a car of this nature needed to be.
Design That Defined a Generation
The Fiat 500’s styling was pure function that somehow became timeless. The rounded shape maximized interior space within the tiny footprint, while the large windows gave the cabin an airy feel. The fabric sunroof (or “tetto apribile”) was not just a style feature — it provided essential ventilation in cars that lacked proper air conditioning.
Inside, the dashboard was minimal — a speedometer, a few warning lights, and basic controls. The seats were simple tubular frames with thin padding. But the driving experience was surprisingly engaging. The 500 was nimble, easy to park, and cheap to run. It was exactly what post-war Europe needed.
The 500 spawned countless variants: the 500 Giardiniera (estate version with a longer wheelbase), the 500 Sport, the 500 D, F, and L (Lusso). Each iteration refined the formula without losing the essential character of the original.
Fiat in South Africa
Fiat has a long history in South Africa, stretching back to the early 20th century. The first Fiats arrived in SA in the 1910s, and the brand quickly established a reputation for affordable, practical motoring. By the 1960s, Fiat was a well-known name on South African roads, with models like the Fiat 500, 600, and 1100 proving particularly popular.
The Fiat 500 was sold through official importers in South Africa and became a beloved city car for its economy, simplicity, and charm. While it wasn’t locally assembled (that came later with models like the Fiat 128 at the Rosslyn plant), the 500 was a regular sight in South African cities.
In the 1970s, Fiat South Africa established local assembly operations, producing models like the Fiat 128 and 132 at the Rosslyn plant near Pretoria. The Fiat 500’s legacy continued, and the modern Fiat 500 has found a new audience in South Africa, sold through dealers nationwide.
Today, the Fiat 500 enjoys a dedicated following among classic car enthusiasts in South Africa, with active clubs and regular gatherings celebrating this iconic little car.
Legacy
The Fiat 500 remained in production until 1975, but its influence extends far beyond those years. In 2007, Fiat launched a modern interpretation of the 500, designed by Roberto Giolito at Centro Stile Fiat. The new 500 was an instant hit, capturing the spirit of the original while offering modern safety, performance, and technology.
The original 500 has become a design icon — exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and celebrated as one of the most important automotive designs of the 20th century. Values of well-preserved originals have risen steadily, and the 500 remains one of the most accessible and enjoyable classic cars to own.
For a car that started life as basic transportation for a rebuilding nation, the 500 has transcended its humble origins to become a true automotive icon. It’s proof that great design doesn’t need to be big, powerful, or expensive — it just needs to be honest.
Sources:
- Wikipedia — Fiat 500
- Fiat 500 History — Fiat USA
- Fiat South Africa History
- Classic Driver — Fiat 500 Buying Guide
Do you have a car that makes you smile every time you see it? Maybe you or your partner have a favorite car that you dream of owning one day? Share your story in the comments below!