Fiat 500 Nuova (1957–1960) Price Guide

The Fiat 500 Nuova of 1957 was, confusingly, the original. It was named nuova (new) to differentiate it from the 1930’s Topolino, which was officially known as the 500.

This is the car that Dante Giacosa designed after Fiat’s management told him to build something even cheaper and smaller than the Topolino. He delivered a 479cc rear-engined two-seater weighing just 470kg, priced at 465,000 lire – about half the price of a Topolino had it still been on sale. When it debuted at the Turin Motor Show on 4 July 1957 it was initially received with scepticism. Within a year, the order books were full and Fiat had to expand production.

The Car

The Nuova 500 used a 479cc air-cooled two-cylinder engine producing 13bhp, just enough for a top speed of 85km/h. The rear engine drove the rear wheels. Two doors hinged at the rear in the suicide configuration. A full-length roll-back canvas roof was the only weather protection option, no metal roof was offered on the original Nuova. The suicide rear-hinged doors were replaced by conventional forward-hinged doors from 1959 on the revised Nuova. The Nuova Giardiniera estate version of 1960 placed the engine under the rear floor rather than at the rear, allowing a flat boot floor.

What Goes Wrong

The air-cooled two-cylinder requires cooling duct inspection as blocked ducts cause overheating. Corrosion attacks the floorpan and lower body throughout. The fabric roof deteriorates with age. Mechanical components are simple and well-supported by Italian classic specialists and the dedicated 500 club network across Europe.

Buying

The original suicide-door Nuova is the rarest and purest 500. The revised Nuova with conventional doors is more practical. Any Nuova in solid structural condition is a worthwhile acquisition. The Fiat 500 Club Italia maintains the definitive register.