At just over ten-feet in length, this 1951 Fiat 500 Topolino is perfect for me, even though I’m 6′-5″ tall. I can stick my head through the convertible top if I have to. This beautiful little machine is located in Portland, Oregon where so many great, rust-free cars are, and it can be found here on eBay. The current bid price is just under $8,500 but that can’t be even close to the reserve price for this beautiful example.
These later Topolino models were known as Model C cars, made from 1949 to 1955 in this “new” bodystyle. The Model A and Model B cars were really cool and/or unique and the big difference between those two is that the Model B cars had a more powerful engine. Yes, 16 hp instead of 13 in the Model A! This car has been “restored as needed several years ago. Repainted in correct Fiat “Grigio” (Gray) color. Paint looks great with smooth finish and a deep shine.” The seller goes on to say that the “panels are straight with good fit.”
This is one nice car. Maybe too nice for me, in that it’ll sell for $25,000+ I’m guessing, maybe more. I can have 5 or more oddball vehicles for that price, but I would love to own one of these Topolinos some day. Hagerty lists a #3 good condition 1951 Fiat 500 Topolino as being valued at $23,700 and a #4 excellent car as being worth $36,800. I’m assuming that the seller’s reserve is somewhere in-between those two numbers. I have seen running and driving cars sell in the $10,000 range but they weren’t anywhere close to this level of perfezione (perfection).
The interior appears to be almost as nice as the exterior is. There is some cracking on the steering wheel and the next owner will have to join every Fiat and/or Topolino club that they can find in order to get any hard to find parts. This car had “new Excelsior tires” put on when it was repainted. Also, “the wool broadcloth interior appears to be excellent and original, as is the sliding convertible top. Chrome, glass and trim are good. New rubber floor mat.” It sure looks like a solid, very nice example and I can’t wait to see what it sells for, if it sells; depending on if it meets the seller’s reserve price.
An engine with 569cc isn’t the most powerful thing, but for a 1,350-pound car, 16.5 hp should move it along. The seller says that they have “had it up to speeds of 55 mph (90 kmh) which just about tops it out. It’s a fun car to drive and gets lots of admiring looks and questions wherever it goes.” They also say that the “4-speed manual transmission shifts crisply” and it has a newer exhaust. The engine doesn’t look quite as clean as the rest of the car does, but a weekend or two of detailing should make this car a real gem.
Perfect stocking stuffer.
Now that’s funny! That brought to mind something Mae West might say…you can fill in the blanks.
Many years ago I had a topolino woodiest wagon which was a wonderful car around town, but, on warm days.after an hour or so, the brake fluid would heat up and one would come to a stop until the fluid would cool down. All that added to the amusement.
I didn’t know there were any Topolino’s left, that hadn’t been turned into AA/Fuel Altered’s.
10 clowns have GOT to jump out of this car :)
So sweet! As much as I love the gawky looks of the original Topo, the update really was an upgrade in looks, comfort and convenience. Finally getting an OHV head helped a lot too; I would think that extra 3 hp could be upgraded a bit more without getting silly about it.
I do love to see these out and about whenever I can. Only regret, as with so many of the cars I’ve wanted over the years, is that their prices have all gone up at a rate outpacing my own improving fortunes. A Wayback Machine would sure come in handy!
So lacks the charm and style of the earlier car. Probably fun if you don’t want to go far or fast though. Recently turned one down @ $12,000. At first thought this was the same car. It isn’t.
Hope that speedometer is in kilometers.
You and Hagerty are way off on value. Many love these cars on sight, but there are few buyers. $10-15K should take this