I saw this Italian Fiat 500 nicknamed Il Topolino in Napier yesterday at the garage where I have my car attended to. Unfortunately I didn't pop in and ask what year the car was from. I shall try and find out but I know that this particular Fiat model was one of half a million manufactured between 1936 and 1955. So that narrows it down a bit. Actually having said that, this particular shape finished in 1949 and I would hazard a guess that this is an earlier rather than a later model citing in support the lack of thin chrome bumpers on a 1938 model.
Topolino means "little mouse" in Italian. It is possible that the name came from Micky Mouse who was also known by that name.
The car was one of the smallest cars made at the time and was also one of the most popular cars around that size.
Presumably I have seen one before but I have to confess that if I have I can't ever recall it. Despite the number made and it's popularity, information I've gleaned from the web would suggest that it is relatively rare.
I think it is one of the prettiest cars I have ever seen.
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Oooh that is a lovely car (and I don't even like cars)!
ReplyDeleteYou'll be pleased to learn, Helen, that with it's tiny 598cc engine even in those days it did around 58 mpg.
DeleteIt is gorgeous! Is it just me, or did they make more interesting looking and distinctive cars in those days? I used to be quite interested as a child - my dad was a car nut - but as I grew up and realised I didn't really like cars myself, I stopped looking at them closely. So perhaps some are actually tremendously interestingly shaped and I just haven't registered them.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful red background it is displayed against.
Cars were much more individual and, in my view, much more interesting in 'those days' Jenny. Aerodynamics amongst other things have had the effect of similarising (spillchucker didn't like me making up a new word) modern cars.
DeleteIt is a real beauty....I wonder if the rear screen wipers are original.
ReplyDeleteI think it was a mechanism for opening the rear window, Adrian.
DeleteThat Topolino is in great shape, and I love the colour too!
ReplyDeleteAfter driving a jeep for so many years, I find other vehicles too low now, but I still love it.
It's certainly not a jeep but it's easier to get into than The Handbag, Virginia, that's for sure.
DeleteWhatever happened to front opening doors, I wonder?
ReplyDeleteElf and safty happened. Folk were worried they could blow open and off. They were safer for cyclists though.
DeleteAnd easier to get into, particularly for elves. Not to mention the number of times I've whacked my head with the top of a door, which curves out at the top.
DeleteBentley and one or two other makers are now using them again Marcel. They are now called suicide doors.
DeleteCute little car... Does it even have room for two people?! My first impression was the steering wheel is in the middle...
ReplyDeleteYes it's a good two-seater Monica. In fact about 500 four-seaters were also made and, oddly, I think they were made in Britain. The steering wheel is on one side.
DeleteOh! I am in love! This car is gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteWith a top speed of 56mph it wouldn't do for you Yvonne!
DeleteA little beauty. And the colour is just right for it.
ReplyDeleteYes, CJ, I'm not really into red cars but I agree that in this case the colour suits it perfectly.
DeleteI think it's absolutely super! And I intended to tell you that yesterday but I went from here to a google search to see if you could buy them in NZ, and that led to finding the history of the Fiat 500, watching a test drive of the latest, showing the test-drive to James, clicking on other Fiats, then Renaults, Citroens, Purgeots, then getting side-tracked to check out if I could afford a Toyota Yaris yet... cup of tea...back to writing my website, and of course I completely forgot from whence came the initial stimulus! So, here I am thinking "Aha! That's where I saw the little mouse."
ReplyDeleteSo. You're not the only forgetful one. :-)
Usually I'd say pretty is a strange word to apply to a car but in this case I totally agree. And she must definitely be a she. You will have to keep your eyes peeled for another glimpse of her.
ReplyDeleteAn antiques programme here in the UK had a red Fiat Gamine - soft-top - on it today. Not quite as nice as your car but still really pretty.
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