Tag Archives: Dante Giacosa

Fiat

1973 Fiat 124 Familiare

We read yesterday that Americans referred to pasta as macaroni up until the late 80s, when the Italian word started to gain prominence in the US. We grew up calling pasta noodles, and still call it that, so make of that what you will. So, while we believe that 124 wagons like today's example were sold as the Fiat 124 Station Wagon in North America, we've gone with the European moniker Familiare, because we like it.

While the 124 Familiare appears to have plenty of room for, say, a family of five, we hope it's a tight five on the scale, because each family member will be allotted 13hp for forward progress. In the old country, that must have been a real surplus, but we'd suggest packing light, lest you strain the sweet little 1200 single cam engine.

1973 Fiat 124 wagon green passenger rear quarter
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Year: 1973
Model:  Fiat 124 Familiare
Engine: 1,197cc 4-cylinder
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage:  35,309mi
Price: Auction
Location: El Monte, CA

1973 Fiat 124 wagon green interior
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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1973 Fiat 124 Familiare

Minor surface rust. Nice floor board, not running, Missing rear seat. Needs minor body work. Will put 4 good tires to roll. Needs total restoration.All stock only two owners. Price reverse

1973 Fiat 124 wagon green engine bay 1200 single cam
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Looking at the underside photos provided by the seller, the condition of this California car appears to be very redeeming. The floors seem to be - and are claimed to be - very solid, with little rust to find underneath. Exterior sheetmetal shows some flaking of paint due to rust, but it appears to be the sort of surface rust that the seller is claiming. Mechanically speaking, the car has needs. The seller says that it does not run or drive, so expect the worst, but given the simplicity of these engines, we wouldn't be too worried.

This car clearly requires a bit of cleaning up, but we don't agree with the seller on the need for a full restoration. The interior will probably clean up pretty nicely, though new seats will be in order. And, the mechanicals could be brought back to driving condition with a reasonable effort. We're running a crank, some rods and pistons, and two cylinder heads to the machine shop this afternoon. Our Fiat 500 Abarth will suffice, but this 124 Familiare? Well, that would be ideal for the job.

-Graham

Fiat

1971 Fiat 500 Mare

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The Nuova 500 spawned a multitude of variants, from the racy Abarth versions to a small six seat van. One of the most interesting bodystyles was an open roof model with a canopy and without side doors. Known as the Jolly, these cars were built by Ghia and had a chopped windshield and wicker seats. Another open roofed beach cruiser, the Mare (or "sea" in Italian), was built by Carrozzeria Holiday in much more limited numbers. Only 50 were built, and they did not have the canopy roof of the Jolly and featured cloth instead of wicker seats. This example for sale in Canada is a wonderful example of an extremely rare Fiat.

1971 Fiat 500 Mare

Italy's location on the Mediterranean Sea meant innumerable beachfront cities and resorts. There was a brisk trade in beach buggy conversions of regular cars by the many specialist coachbuilders throughout Italy at the time. Without roof or doors the cars are basic in the extreme. This simplicity, however, remains their most endearing feature, giving these cheeky runabouts a sense of fun and mischief comparable only with the later Mini Moke. As you would expect the car is in excellent condition and finished in blue with a matching blue and white interior. These cars were only built to order by Holiday for VIPs and the hotels of Capri and the Amalfi coast. The body builder Holiday was also responsible for building the Twingo beach buggy. Much rarer than a Jolly, this is a highly desirable and rare little Fiat is perfect for trips to the beach and is sure to get you noticed. $49,000

The asking price for this Mare is about $15,000 over what similar Jollys have recently brought at auctions. Not too surprising, given this car's exclusivity and that a Ferrari dealer is offering it for sale. This car looks to be in almost better than new condition and the color combination is sure to win many admiring stares at the shore.

-Paul

Fiat

1972 Fiat 500L

The Nuova 500 was a staple of the Italian motorways from the late 1950s through the 1970s. With its simple design, small footprint and clever use of space, it provided freedom to the masses with asking little in return. Today, there are still plenty on the roads, both in Italy and abroad and have amassed a loyal following. Part of its legacy is its modern day interpretation, the "Nuova" Nuova 500, if you will. While it has had slightly disappointing sales in the US market, it has relaunched the Fiat brand and reintroduced the fun of Italian motoring to a new generation of Americans.

This particular 1972 500L was one of those cars that caught my eye. It's stance, contrasting wheels and subtle modifications make this a tasty little number. It's stance gives the suggestion that it's ready to pounce at any minute.

1972 Fiat 500L

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This 1972 Fiat 500L was imported from Italy about 7 years ago. Fully restored with new 650cc engine and transmission, new wheels including tubes and tires about 1 year ago, Abarth steering wheel and shift knob, Giannini oil pan, electronic ignition, new top, new interior and much more.
Odometer shows 49,049 kilometers. The car runs very good, good engine and transmission, good brakes. Just a good strong little Cinquecento. Everything works with the exception of the fuel gauge. Inspections are welcome. I actually encourage inspections since this vehicle is being sold as is with no warranty stated or implied. I am not a dealer and am describing this car as best as i can. I am very conservative with my descriptions as you can see from my feedback. If you plan on driving or inspecting this vehicle please do so before bidding. Clear N.J title in hand.

These 500s are great little cars, cheap to run, easy on gas and elicit more stares than most Ferraris and Lamborghinis. Within the last half year, I've seen similar 500s range anywhere from $6,000 up to $12,000 and a little beyond, depending on condition. Most solid 500s in good condition, such as this, settle in around $8,000 to $10,000. This is a small price to pay for what amounts to one of the most legendary motors of the last century.

-Paul

Fiat

1939 Fiat Topolino 500A

2 Comments

With the Fiat 500 barely a year old in the US market, few consumer may be aware that this car can trace its lineage back before the outbreak of World War II. Legendary Italian engineer Dante Giacosa set out to create a small car for the masses in the middle of the 1930s and came up with the 500cc Fiat Cinquecento, which quickly took on the name “Topolino,” or little mouse, in Italian. It was a revolutionary car, with an ingenious design; it’s sidevalve (and later overhead valve) inline four cylinder engine swung out ahead of the front axle. The engine only produced horsepower in the single digits and was good for a top speed of around 53 mph, but fuel economy was outstanding at almost 40 mpg. After World War II, few Italians, however, could afford the asking price of 720,000 lire, which represented a yearly salary three times over for the average worker. Nevertheless, the Topolino soldiered on until the introduction of the Nuova 500 in 1955, a car which became so much a symbol of Italy that it overshadowed its predecessor and was built under license worldwide. Our feature car for sale in Switzerland has undergone an outstanding restoration and is a one family vehicle. The car even has its original Turin license plates.

1939 Fiat Topolino 500A

In same family ownership since new! With original license plate Torino, TO-59233. Serial Number 3245TO. First registered in 1940. Totally restored in bi-coloor Beige and Black, aoriginal paint scheme. Originally the car was blue. Interior redone in red artificial leather, originally was in fabric. Soft rag top redone in original fabric. New sunroof. Engine, 500 cc, 8 hp, overhauled in 1998, driven 800 km after overhaul. Electric starter. Original Pirelly White Star Tires, installed new 800 km ago. Original documents available. Registered in Italy. Never in an accident. Approved by the ASI (Auto Storiche Italiane) registry with certificate.

At almost $20,000, this is big money for a supermini, but the historical significance of this car has me thinking that this is a fantastic value for a restored and documented example of Italian engineering ingenuity. Overall, this is a great example of a milestone car overlooked, even by some hardcore automotive enthusiasts.

-Paul