Can a car become the symbol of an entire nation? Of course! Just think of the Fiat 500 which in these days turns sixty years old. And despite its age, its charm remains unchanged. Object of desire for millions of people, over time it has undergone various restyling, but its knowing how to be the most Italian of all cars he never lost it. Let's relive its glorious history together.
A worker car
The Fiat 500, also known as the cinquino, was born in July 1957 and was a car conceived and designed specifically for a specific social class: that worker.
In those years Italy was experiencing its economic miracle. The war was now a memory and numerous large Italian companies (still active today) were establishing themselves all over the world. Among these was the Fiat which at the time had just launched the 600. It was a success, but the executives realized that a good chunk of the population could not afford that model. Work then began on a more economical and accessible car for everyone. Starting from a design inspired by German beetle, the Turin engineers succeeded in creating a reliable low-cost engine. Not only in the materials, but also in the maintenance of the same. For some repairs it was also possible to use common objects.
On 1 July 1957 the Fiat 500 was presented at Prime Minister Adone Zoli, while the next day he paraded at the club Sporting of Turin. In both cases, everyone was fascinated by the new Turin creature, so much so that they received numerous praises. In the following days it made its debut on the market at a cost of approx 490.000 lire, or a year's salary for a worker. A very low figure, considering the competition. But such a price also involved some sacrifice. In fact, in the 500 the set-up was very spartan, with a decidedly approximate attention to detail. The chrome was missing, the wheels were fixed with four bolts in plain sight and the windows were fixed. Only the deflectors (the small ones) could be opened, but they could not be locked so as to be annoying for driving. But did all these shortcomings affect the first sales?
A cure of the past
Despite the good initial conditions, sales did not meet expectations. The company then ran for cover by releasing an updated model in September of the same year. So here is the marketing of two models: the economic one a 465.000 lire and the standard version a 490.000. And who got the first version at 490.000? Fiat repaid with a check from 25.000 lire all those who had bought the 500 before September. A unique case in the history of engines. It was also guaranteed that the engine was updated free of charge in all authorized workshops. In short, a respectable treatment that convinced even the most skeptical. In the following months other versions came out (sport, sunroof etc.) up to 500 America, that is the one destined for the American market.
The Fiat 500 at MoMA in New York
Dozens and dozens of versions have followed over the years. A unique success in the world of engines, so much so as to transform the Fiat 500 into a true symbol of Italian spirit. Always current, always appreciated by anyone, still today (with the new models) it is one of the best-selling cars. A record longevity reached its sixtieth anniversary. For the occasion, the MoMA in New York (the most famous modern art museum in the world) has decided to pay homage to the little Italian jewel. Like? With a permanent exhibition of one of the most successful models: the 500 series F, produced from 1965 to 1972. A noble achievement for what everyone considers to be one of the most successful cars in history.
