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In conjunction with our latest video featuring a yellow Fiat 500, and to share some more information about the happy little car’s history, we’ve created a graphic that is full of all kinds of interesting tidbits about the car. As for some interesting things about the car that aren’t mentioned in the graphic, did you know that starting the car was done by means of a pull-cable connected to a handle between the seats, or that the engine’s air-cooling fan supplied forced air directly into the carburetor intake—sort of a primitive, low-pressure supercharging?
These little cars are actually really satisfying to drive. Despite the low power the engine is still eager and they do not feel slow inside most of the time. Biggest surprise is that the gearshift is one of the nicest gear changes out there – nice mechanical feel and satisfying to get right as you can feel the gears and time each shift to perfection. Obviously not one for a long trip on the open road but are still a great weapon in the city with incredible turning circle, can fit through gaps only motorbikes and cyclists can and get into car parks everyone else has to drive by. Oh, and did I mention not only great fuel consumption but with a low compression ratio you can just about piddle in the tank and the thing will run.
Some really cool data here but it could do with a few edits:
– Fiat 500’s had 12 inch wheels while original Mini’s had 10 inch ones
– Only the very early 500’s (N series cars 1957-59) had 13hp and 479cc. The bulk of production had the 499cc 17hp engine. The 13hp cars were just too slow while the 17hp cars could get up to 60mph…just.
These cars were a packaging marvel and Gordon Murray was a real fan of its layout and still has one himself today. Michael Schumacher was gifted one by Ferrari and calls it his favorite car while Top Gear Magazine voted it the ‘Sexiest Car Ever’
500’s are super cool.