Let's face it: the Fiat 500 is a bit large and unwieldy. Tough to sneak down city streets. Cumbersome. A hassle to park. While the basic components for a proper city car are present, Fiat missed the mark on convenient city driving.

Enter G.A.M.C. Baldi, coachbuilder of the Frog. Lopping 20 inches off of the standard Fiat 500 chassis and providing their own body, they have managed to realize what Fiat failed to accomplish. The resulting city car puts even a modern Smart ForTwo to shame in outside dimensions. Engine options ranged from 125cc to 595cc, this example being outfitted with the goldilocks 499cc Fiat unit. A 4-speed manual shifter sprouts from the floor - no antediluvian column shifting is required in the Frog.

Year: 1975
Model:  G.A.M.C. Baldi Frog
Engine: 499cc 2-cylinder
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage:  11,111mi
Price: $14,000
Location: Oceanside, NY

CLICK FOR DETAILS: G.A.M.C. Baldi Frog

G.A.M.C. BALDI FROG

1 of only 300 made


Fiat 500 motor

The sellers of this Frog claim that the car has been restored. The engine bay, interior, and paint all seem to be in great condition. We wouldn't seat the mechanical condition too much, as the fundamental components and rebuild parts are all available just as they would be for a Fiat 500.

So, for those who already have a 500, but require something more modest for trips into town, we recommend the Frog. Where it lacks in style, it delivers in convenience. The 499cc Fiat power plant and 4-speed manual should make for some entertaining transportation in the lighter Frog body too. Hop to it.

-Graham