In 1957 Fiat launched what would become their most iconic car, the “Nuova 500″. It was Fiat’s economy city car rendition of the prosperous VW Beetle. Successful, they were. The 500 proved to be a practical and popular vehicle throughout Europe and steady production continued to 1975 when it was replaced with the not so popular 126.
Mechanical cutaway of the 479cc two-cylinder engine
The spirit lives on today as Fiat introduced a new reasonably priced retro styled 500 in 2007. The new 500 proved to be popular once again in Europe as they sold out instantly. It will be launched into the American market in 2011.
Below is the fantastic 1957 Italian theatrical introduction for the 500. Unfortunately I don’t understand the narrators, but they’re not needed because the visuals are more than sufficient. Love that mechanical color coded engine cutaway and the mad passing on canyon roads.
[YouTube]
This reminds me, I must have a Fiat Abarth 500. Someday. Before i die.