1947 Fiat 500A "Topolino" 2dr Cabriolet
1947 Fiat 500 for sale in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States
Condition: | Used |
Item location: | Charlotte, North Carolina, United States |
Make: | Fiat |
Model: | 500 |
Type: | Convertible |
Year: | 1947 |
Mileage: | 374 km |
VIN: | 500 108778 |
Color: | Torch red |
Fuel: | gasoline |
Transmission: | 4 spd., manual |
Drive type: | RWD |
Interior color: | Tan |
Vehicle Title: | Clear |
Want to buy? | Contact seller! |
Description for Fiat 500 1947
You are bidding on a rarely available 1947 Fiat 500A Cabriolet. This was the last year that the "A"was built, eing the same body design since 1936 (In 1938, he frame was lengthened to accommodate full length rear springs). Starting in 1948, he "B"version with a slightly more (3hp) powerful OHV engine was offered. With the same stronger engine, he "C"was introduced in 1949, lso with an improved (??) body style which continued till 1955, hen the two cylinder Cinquecento debuted. Because of the positioning and appearance of the headlamps, iving the appearance of ears, he earlier versions were nicknamed "Topolino"(Little Mouse), n appellation that stuck through the "C"design (though the "ears"went away in 1949). Reportedly, arly Topolinos are still occasionally seen in Ital, hough only a few (perhaps less than 100) have survived rust and drag car conversions in North America. Amazingly, arts are still obtainable from several sources. The best guess as to how Topolinos got across the Atlantic (they were not imported for sale) is that returning U.S. service personnel brought them when returning from European assignments.
This automobile was in sheltered storage and not operable for some 22 years (and probably many more) when I obtained it from a close friend. For the past six years it has been in my garage while restoration work was being done. My goal was to produce a drivable, nteresting and attractive "fun"car for Sunday mornings and occasional car meets. Time, hough, as run out on me (I am 86) and I need to clean up my affairs. I am a mechanical engineer and have previously restored/refurbished an HRG, wo airplanes and two sailboats.
The car has a clear North Carolina title and is registered as an "Antique Auto".
The work included:
Body off rebuild/renovation
Strip and refinish all
Engine bored & sleeved to standard dimensions
Crankshaft welded and ground to standard dimensions
New pistons
Poured bearing connecting rods replaced by later shell bearing type
New bearings — main and camshaft
Cam and lifters ground and polished
Valves and seats ground
Cylinder head rebuilt
Radiator recored
Block fitted with heli-coils as needed
New front spring
Replacement of ALL ball bearings and seals
Rebuild distributor
New wiring throughout
New metric fasteners for engine and chassis
New clutch driven disc and throw-out bearing
New exhaust system
New roll-back top and window.
New interior including carpets
New Speedometer and oil pressure gauge
New brake system and linings
Disassemble, nspect and adjust transmission and differential
New driveshaft "rag"coupling
Straighten and balance driveshaft
Partial floor replacement
Rust perforated body sections cleaned and reinforced
New tires (‘Vintage' Radials) and wheels (4)
Paint interior/exterior in Corvette "Torch Red"
Fitted ‘Sunbrella' car cover
Box of extra (used) parts including block, rankshaft, pistons with poured rods
And more, ore!
To be noted:
Fiat differential previously replaced by Spicer unit (American)
Driveshaft not as original
Tail light and turn signal LED "light bar"installed in place of (available and easily replaced by UGLY Fiat unit)
Rust perforations in body shell reinforced using auto panel adhesive and rivets
Not original engine block
This car is very drivable (particularly if you have small feet), as good 4-wheel hydraulic brakes and offers reasonable in-town performance from 13.5 hp, iving up to 45 or 50 in top gear on a level road. My longest round trip was 70 km to a local Italian car showing, here the Topolino won "Best of Class"(two Alfas and two other Fiats) and "Ladie's Choice"(over many Italian collector and exotic "supercars" ).
My restoration goals have been fully achieved and my "To Do"list is done.
Included will be a fitted "Sunbrella"car cover, wner's manual, hop and parts manuals and a trunk (quite heavy) filled with surplus bits and pieces (block, rankshaft, rods/pistons, il pan, tc.).
There will be NO guarantee, ritten, ral or presumed on this vehicle. However, t can be seen, nspected and driven in Charlotte, C., .S.A., ith 2 days notice.
Shipping or relocation of this car will be the purchaser's responsibility and cost.
I will gladly provide answers to questions by phone or E-mail.