For years, the Fiat 500 was the car of the people in Italy. While suitable for most Italian lifestyles at the time, Fiat responded to those consumers needing more space. Not only did they come out with a small van, the Multipla, but they offered a two door estate variant, the Giardiniera. With the additional length added behind the doors, this was a popular hauler for families and small businesses. Rarely seen on US shores, this Giardiniera for sale in California is a rare treat for small car enthusiasts.
1960 Fiat 500 Giardiniera
Adorable and in great condition FIAT 500 Giardiniera Trasformabile extremely rare here in the USA or Italy. This FIAT is in great condition cosmetically and mechanically. It was very well taken care of and pampered by its owner who took it here all the way from Southern Italy. I will add more info pictures and video clips before the end of the day. This FIAT 500 runs excellent, shifts beautifully and it is a blast to drive around. Brakes work perfectly and does not leak any oil or any fluids. It is air cooled and after driving it for about 1 hour under 95 degrees here in California didn't give any sign of overheating. Tires are good in the back though could use new ones in the front. I have re charged the battery since it was sitting for some time, battery seems to hold up pretty good although might need a new battery sometime in the future (It uses 12 volt).
Bidding is strong so far on this little estate. We may not see Multipla money here, but given the oddball factor versus the more common 500 it is based on, this Giardiniera will probably bring somewhere in the neighborhood of $10,000 to $15,000.
-Paul
Hi Paul,
While the 1960 Fiat 500 Station Wagon is rare (and awesome) this vehicle is actually the less rare 1974 Autobianchi Giardiniera. The chassis number confirms it, but very little of this car, if any, is from the 1960’s.
This is somewhat common on ebay, so I would recommend one of Alessandro Sannia’s Fiat buying guides for anyone interested.
Cheers.
Thanks Mike, I had a sneaking suspicion this car might not have been as advertised. I believe those particular Fiat badges did not appear until 1968.
I believe the rhomboid emblem was even later appearing only on the Fiat R starting in 1972. And I’m pretty sure the Giardiniera never had the rhomboid emblem at all, as in the 70’s they switched from the wing shaped Fiat emblems to a few different “A” emblems as they were rebadged for Autobianchi. I’ve never actually seen an Autobianchi front emblem in the wild though, I think they tend to get frankenstored with parts from the L’s and R’s.
Btw, this blog is one of my favorites. Thanks for writing.