The Fiat 500 is 60 today!
The original city car turns 60 years old on July 4th 2017, exactly six decades on from the first production model in 1957
It is exactly 60 years to the day since the Fiat 500 - then known as the Nuova 500 - rolled off the manufacturer’s production line in Turin for the very first time.
Originally conceived by designer Dante Giacosa, it was launched in 1957, quickly becoming popular and eventually growing into one of Italy’s most recognisable motoring icons.
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Its initial production run lasted eighteen years, during which time almost four million Fiat 500s were sold worldwide before the model was discontinued in 1975.
At just 2.75m long and tipping the scales at 479kg, the original could afford to get by with a 479cc engine that produced just 13bhp. Unsurprisingly style was the Fiat 500s forte - an area that the modern day version continues to focus on with its range of customisation options.
It’s believed that around 400,000 first generation 500s survive on Italian roads today.
“The 60th birthday of the Fiat 500 may be small in stature but it’s a car that’s had a massive impact on the automotive world,” said FCA’s Ashley Andrew.
“Few cars can claim to have made the same impression on popular culture and even fewer still have continued to inspire others and imbue passion for six decades.”
In 2007 - the year of the 500’s 50th birthday - the model was relaunched to much acclaim within the industry, and since then more than two million examples of the city car have been sold in over 100 countries.
And while it continues to be a success on the forecourts, the modern Fiat 500 has a lot more competition these days, such as the Skoda Citigo, Kia Picanto and 2017 City Car of the Year VW up!
Are you happy to see the Fiat 500 celebrate its 60th birthday? Let us know below!
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