At just a hair over 50 inches wide, this 1954 Fiat 500C Topolino could prove challenging for some drivers to fit in comfortably. However, if size isn’t a problem, this one sure looks like a good candidate for those seeking a vintage Italian car that’s sure to turn heads wherever it goes. The seller says his price of $17,995 is the final drop, but with the excellent condition we’re seeing here, it may be well worth that amount to the right buyer. This one’s in Ayer, Massachusetts, and can be spotted here on Facebook Marketplace, so head on up to The Bay State if you’re ready to make the deal. Zappenduster, thanks for your tip here!
The Fiat is short in length as well, measuring in at just 127.8 inches front to back, but there’s plenty of great styling to be found throughout the small area. A retractable soft top helps add to the fun factor here, plus it’s good to see that this one’s still wearing a set of Fiat wheels and hubcaps. The seller tells us the car has been wonderfully restored, and while no details of what it was like before are provided, the workmanship seems to have been performed to high-quality standards. The body appears straight with a good panel fit, and the green finish looks uniform and shiny all the way around. The trim pieces also look satisfactory at a minimum.
Entering is made by a set of doors hinged at the rear, so that might make it easier for some folks to get in and out, but once inside it still seems like some fairly cramped quarters. The bucket seats don’t have much mass and the steering wheel placement is ever so slightly to the right of center where the driver would be sitting, but there’s nothing inside to complain about as far as condition goes. The metal parts are painted the same green as the outside, and I’m really keen on that minimalist dash layout.
The seller says the 569cc engine is only providing 16 HP, but he also claims it’s still a blast to drive around town, despite the limited power. We only get to view this one photo which shows some of the undercarriage, but the owner describes the condition of the frame and platform as superb, so this one seems to remain a very solid example.
While I find the lines attractive and the fun factor high, this one may be a bit too small for my stature for much long-distance driving. However, for those who can fit inside better, it seems like a cool little cruiser that’s nearly show-ready without much additional attention. Some positive news is that this Italian beauty won’t occupy an excessive amount of room in your garage! Is this 1954 Fiat 500C Topolino one you’d be interested in adding to your collection?
I love these, but they are better city cars than long distance cruisers – it can be done but not comfortably. Another note – the long gearshift takes a minute to warm up to. This example is in great shape.
Everyone probably already knows that “topolino” translates to “little mouse”….
In Italy, Mickey Mouse is known as Topolino. It is also the source of the name of Ed Sullivan’s mouse companion, Topogigio, who started as a children’s story in Italy.
Yes Topolinos are best as city cars. Great condition ’54 and low price is tempting but….
However in 1966 a young couple in Malvern began an adventure – a road trip from England to Istanbul.
Peter Prest tells all in three informative and enjoyable 30 minute YouTube videos “Topolino Road Trip 1966 England to Istanbul” parts 1,2, and 3.
Their ’47 was hardly in fine fettle – a project to make road ready then off to cross the channel.
They make awesome gassers, ( and here come the tomatoes) Look, I just want to say, I’m not as anti-Italian vehicles as some may think. On the Italian car parts post, someone had the audacity to call for my banishment from the site. Okay, normally the ramblings of one malcontent rolls off me, but they had 6 thumbs up, really? Guess they didn’t see the Astro post.( 100 comments-200 thumbs up) That took a lot of wind out of me, and will probably curtail my posts accordingly in the future, and don’t say, “aw, come on, Howard”, hey, you try being BFs punching bag for a while..
How this car ever escaped the gasser thing is a mystery, I think for its application, it is really a neat little car. Almost Morris-like. I feel bad now about always ripping on how inept these types of cars are for our way of travel, but as an old man, my trips are relegated to just this kind of travel, and I’d love to have it. Peace, eh?
Let’s just hope someone with brains buys this…. someone who would never think of hot-rodding it. It would be an outrage if someone ruined this pristine little car. Why is there always someone who wants to hot rod everything???
One of the nicest Topolinos (previous shape to this) in the UK was built by a woman hot-rodder. There is almost nothing to give the car away, all stock body, colour, interior, just slightly banded original steel wheels. She kept everything FIAT, with a 2 liter tweaked twincam and the car is very welcome at serious Italian car meets. It goes really well…..
So while I basically agree with you, I am very glad to this woman for her skills and imagination!
Hang in there, Howard- you bring more to this website than all the other self-proclaimed “experts” put together. So, while there are at least six 💩 on BF- there are many times more of us who understand the value of your contributions. Keep up the good work. 👍👍
I’m sorry that you are having negative experiences Howard. I for one welcome your insight and comments. And hey, huge bonus points to you for finding that great GMC Astro ( can you maybe drum up a Cracker Box next?)
And also your great posts here as well. I’M Glad you’re here.
Dave
This Fiat in it’s present condition is slightly more rare than an unmolested 1941 Willys or a 51-53 Henry J. Amazing it hasen’t been cut up.
There´s a lot to admire in any well-designed small car. This is not a micro-car, this was intended to get a nation moving after WW2. Which happened with some style in Italy.
The photo with its top up looks great…
What a perfect car for those (many) of us who like them slow and tiny. Does my camp also think a gasser is one small step up from the Carolina Squat? Maybe a step sideways. Please, please give us more of this. Treat them like children: slow, safe,and unmolested.
Squat is the worst! This car is great as it s. And yes, there are some gassers on BF too, but we get along pretty well. Someone said I should be banished too. Guess who that was?
Super nice car. Was upgraded to 1955-69 Fiat 600 tail lights with three chambers. One couldn’t buy a project and transform it to this restoration level for anywhere near the asking price. So if you are 5″7′ or less and weigh not more than 175 lbs, you’ll fit in this classic. Disclaimer: With 16hp power output it’s definitively a “flatlander”.
very nice