Fiat Nuova 500D-1964

Introduced on July 4th, 1957, the successor for the Topolino, the “Nuova (which means “New”) 500″ used a layout similar to that seen on the 600 with a rear mounted engine driving the rear wheels and independent suspension on all four wheels.  A first for Fiat was the air-cooled engine, a two cylinder, 479cc unit with 13 HP, coupled to a four speed manual gearbox with a floor mounted shift.  The woefully underpowered 479cc version of the Nuova 500 lasted only a single year, replaced by more powerful models in 1958. While the success of the Nuova 500 was not what Fiat expected, production of all types and variants of the Fiat Nuova 500 exceeded three million.  The D series was produced from 1960-64 with 640,520 being made.  The engine size had been increased to 499cc,

and a few other changes, such as a revised gas tank, were also made.

 

Specifications:

 

Manufacturer:  FIAT Società per Azioni

Country of Origin:  Italy

Drivetrain Configuration:  Rear engine, rear wheel drive

Engine:  499cc, 17.5 hp, 2 cylinder, air cooled

Transmission:  4 speed manual

Top Speed:  55 mph

Years of Production:  500 D – 1960-64; all Nuova 500 models 1957-75

Number Produced:   over 3.4 million 

Original Cost:  $1134 USD (1958 model)