Tag Archives: Cinquecento

DIY Buckboard – Fiat Cinquecento Flatbed

A couple of years ago while I was on my way to the Morgan Factory I passed through Upton-upon-Severn in the Malvern Hills district of Worcestershire, England when I espied today’s featured FIAT Cinquecento on the verge of a T junction with the B4211.

Fiat Cinquecento Flatbed, Upton-upon-Severn, Worcestershire,

The front wheel drive FIAT Cinquecento city car was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro to replace the rear engine rear wheel drive FIAT 126 in 1991, they were built at the former FSO works in Poland where the various FIAT derived models had been built and marketed under the Polski FIAT and later FSO brands.

Fiat Cinquecento Flatbed, Upton-upon-Severn, Worcestershire,

Despite the Cinquecento, Five Hundred, name the smallest motor for this model was a longitudinally mounted 704 cc / 43 cui two-cylinder unit which was only avaialble in Poland.

Fiat Cinquecento Flatbed, Upton-upon-Severn, Worcestershire,

The two other engine options were four cylinder units producing 38 and 53 hp respectively and mounted transversely, today’s featured car is listed as having a 38hp 899cc / 54.8 cui motor that traces it’s origins back to the 1970’s FIAT 127 hatchback.

Fiat Cinquecento Flatbed, Upton-upon-Severn, Worcestershire,

Despite being a city car the Cinquecento was equipped with independent suspension all round, side impact bars, crumple zones and could be ordered with central locking, electric window’s sunroof and air conditioning the only notable option missing was power assisted steering.

Fiat Cinquecento Flatbed, Upton-upon-Severn, Worcestershire,

FIAT commissioned a number of concept versions of the Cinquecento before production ceased in 1998, but none included a flatbed behind the passenger cabin like the example seen here which is currently registered as, SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), being kept off the road.

Thanks for joining me on this “DIY Buckboard” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” which concludes this months series of pick ups. I hope you will join me again tomorrow when I’ll be looking at a 1929 Riley with a 6 litre / 366cui four cylinder aero engine.

Wishing all GALPOT readers a relaxing Bank Holiday Monday.

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Perfect car for a wedding #3 – FIAT 500 Lusso

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Mindful of the fact that in a weeks time much of the TV watching world will be tuned in to the nuptials Mr William Windsor and Miss Kate Middleton, I thought it might be fun to look at a wedding mobile that will almost certainly not feature in next Fridays Royal extravaganza.

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The FIAT 500 Lusso (Luxury), produced from 1968 to 1972, was externally distinguished from its base F (or Berlina) models by its extra chrome nudge bar.

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The original Nuova Cinquecento (500) was launched in in 1957 and replaced the delightful Topolino which had also been designed by Dante Giacosa.

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With a 6 ft wheel base carrying a body 4″ shy of 12 feet the 500 is considered to be one of the first city cars.

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Like the Volkswagen Beetle and Renault 4CV the Cinquecento has its engine in the boot, this particular model was originally fitted with a 17 hp 499cc / 30.4 cui two cylinder motor.

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As one might expect from a vehicle less than 10′ long and just over 4′ wide the space inside might best be described as intimate, in fact just perfect for a couple of newly weds.

Wishing everyone getting married in the coming week all the best.

Hope you have enjoyed todays wedding edition of ‘Getting a lil’ psycho on tyres’ and hope that you will join me again tomorrow. Don’t forget to come back now !

Also in the Perfect car for a wedding series :-

Citroen Traction Avant

Humber Super Snipe MK IV

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Cinquecento – Fiat ‘Topolino’

Nothing more topical to celebrate this blogs 500th visitor than this cute little Fiat 500 ‘Topolino’.

The ‘Little Mouse’ was powered by a 13 hp 4 cylinder 596 cc / 36.37 cui engine mounted ahead of the front axle.

The low, for 1937, front body line, was achieved by mounting the radiator behind the engine.

This really is a two seat vehicle but I remember hitch hiking in Italy in the 1980’s seeing these vehicles stuffed with 4 or 5 passengers always screaming and laughing with Latin joie de vivre.

Thanks to every one who has popped by over the last couple of weeks and particularly all those who have made comments, its been great fun getting “Psycho on Tyres” up and running and I hope you’ll continue to find this blog continues to entertain.

Don’t forget to come back now 🙂

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