Fiat 500 Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Fiat 500

Overview
Manufacturer	Fiat
Also called	FIAT
Production	Italy
Assembly	Torino, Italy
Designer	Dante Giacosa
Body and chassis
Class	City car
Body style	2-door sedan 3-door estate
Layout	RR layout
Powertrain
Engine	479 cc I2 499 cc I2 594 cc I4
Transmission	4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	1.84 m (72.4 in)
Chronology
Predecessor	Fiat 500 "Topolino"
Successor	Fiat 126

The Fiat 500 is a super famous small car from Italy. The Fiat company made this car between 1957 and 1975. It was designed by a clever person named Dante Giacosa. People loved the Fiat 500 because it was small, easy to drive, and perfect for busy city streets. It became a symbol of Italian style and fun!

In 2007, Fiat launched a new car that looked a lot like the original. This new car was called the Fiat Nuova 500, which means "New 500" in Italian. It showed how much people still loved the classic design.

The Original Fiat 500 Story
- Why the Fiat 500 Was Special
  - Clever Design for a Small Car
  - Different Styles of the 500
- Engines and How it Drove
  - The Fiat 500's Successor
The Fiat 500 Today
Images for kids
See also

The Original Fiat 500 Story

The Fiat 500 was officially called the Nuova 500 when it first came out in 1957. It was designed to be a cheap and practical car for everyone. After World War II, many families in Italy needed a simple way to get around. The Fiat 500 was the perfect answer.

Why the Fiat 500 Was Special

The Fiat 500 was a "city car". This means it was made for driving in towns and cities. It was very small, which made it easy to park in tight spots. It also used very little fuel, which saved money.

Clever Design for a Small Car

The designer, Dante Giacosa, made the car with a rear-engine, rear-wheel drive layout. This means the engine was at the back of the car, powering the back wheels. This design helped make the car very compact. It also gave more space inside for people and their things.

Different Styles of the 500

Even though it was small, the Fiat 500 came in a few different styles. The most common was a 2-door sedan. There was also a 3-door estate version. This estate car was called the Giardiniera. It had a longer roof and more space for luggage. There were even van versions for businesses!

Engines and How it Drove

The Fiat 500 used small, efficient engines. Most had two cylinders, like a motorcycle engine. They were not super fast, but they were reliable and perfect for city driving. The car had a 4-speed manual gearbox, which means you had to shift gears yourself.

The Fiat 500's Successor

After many years of making the Fiat 500, the company stopped production in 1975. Its replacement was the Fiat 126. While the 126 was also a small car, the original Fiat 500 remained a beloved classic.

The Fiat 500 Today

Even now, the old Fiat 500 cars are very popular. Many people collect them, restore them, and drive them for fun. They are seen as cool and stylish cars. The new Fiat 500, launched in 2007, shows how much the original design is still loved around the world. It proves that a great design can last for a very long time!

Images for kids

A Nuova 500, as it was launched in 1957, preserved in the Centro storico Fiat.
Fiat 500
Fiat 500 Giardiniera
Fiat 500 Furgoncino.
Fiat 500F
Fiat 500 L.
Fiat 500 R.
Fiat Abarth 695 SS.
Fiat 500 remains a cult
Fiat 500 Jolly by Ghia, US market.