Beschreibung:

In the list of finishers in the 1953 Mille Miglia 209th place, and winner in its class, is held by Walter Brighenti and F. Sandrolini in a FIAT 500. Of the remaining 74 finishers, 43 were Topolinos. Nothing better reflects both the ubiquity of the Topolino and the enthusiasm Italians have had for it. First introduced in 1936, FIAT maximized the 500's interior space by putting its 569cc 4-cylinder engine in front of the front wheels' centerline, producing the jutting prow, rounded fenders and raised headlights which earned its endearing nickname, Topolino, the Italian Mickey Mouse. In 1948 the valves moved overhead and power grew by 3½hp in the 500B. It was succeeded just two years later by a thoroughly revised 500C. It was to be the mainstay of FIAT production for the next six years. They flooded Italy's highways, an ever-growing family of friendly, hard-working, earnest mice. The 500C Topolino was most immediately identified by its re-designed nose with a more modern horizontal air intake and headlights recessed into the front fenders. Bumpers, dual taillights and a lighted center registration plate panel also set the 500C apart. The diminutive two-door sedan passenger compartment with its folding soft roof center section remained substantially as it had been since 1936 but passengers were warmed by FIAT's first integrated heating system. Using heated air from behind the radiator, it also fed defroster/defogger outlets below the windshield. The engine gained an aluminum cylinder head but no more horsepower. With independent front suspension with wishbones, a transverse leaf spring and telescopic shocks and a live rear axle suspended by semi-elliptic leaf springs, telescopic shocks and a anti-roll bar, the suspension was still modern and amenable to enthusiastic modifications for events such as the Mille Miglia. So were the 4-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. This charming example was restored in 1995 in Italy from a sound Topolino that had been owned by the same family for many years. It was initially exported to Saudi Arabia, then brought to the U.S. in 2002 where it was stored but little used until last year when it was recommissioned with a new head gasket, valve job and mechanical and cosmetic freshening. Finished in green with red upholstery and interior trim, it is particularly practical and enjoyable with its full-length soft roof panel folded back and stowed for fresh-air driving on bright, shiny days. It needs nothing and will immediately begin to pay dividends to its new owner with fun jaunts and happy smiles. Without reserve