1952 FIAT 500 C Belvedere

The Fiat 500 C Giardiniera Belvedere is identified by chassis 500C376684 and engine number 500B381716. The car was built in 1952 and registered in Italy, in Gorizia (it still retains the original license plates). The vehicle comes with the certificate of origin issued by the parent company and the Targa Oro, which is among the highest awards that a vintage car can obtain, as well as the most important issue by the Italian Historical Automotoclub. In addition, this Fiat 500 C 'Topolino' by age and model is eligible for the Mille Miglia.

The bodywork of this Fiat 500 C Giardiniera Belvedere was fully restored by the husband of the previous owner, who was a professional coachbuilder. Judging from the pictures and from what the current owner tells us, a work of restoration was performed on the car in a workmanlike manner, fully respecting the original materials and colours. The paint is shiny and uniform on all surfaces, and the couplings between the fixed and moving parts of the body look very accurate. All the chrome parts, from the grille strips to the headlight surrounds, from the bumper blades to the window profiles, are also shiny. Also appearing in like-new condition is the folding canvas roof, whose manual opening and closing mechanism works properly. The two-tone finish of the iron wheels, which fit tires conforming to the originals of the period, is also excellent.

To describe the inside of this Fiat 500 C Giardiniera Belvedere and the way it has been preserved over time could be used one of Henri Ford's most famous phrases: "If it isn't there, it can't break." Having said that some of the car's interior parts have most likely been replaced or otherwise restored over the years, the almost total absence of extra or special accessories has facilitated the work. The interior configuration appears to be the original one of the period, The two leather-lined front seats and rear sofa are in excellent condition. Also intact are all the rubber mats lining the floor, as well as the interior panels, which include a storage pocket. Also in very good order are the inside of the soft top and the hooks securing it. Also presenting very well indeed are the sheet metal dashboard, painted in the same dark blue hue as the body, the steering wheel and the shift knob.

Lifting the car onto the hoist and looking closely at it from underneath you can see the goodness of the restoration work. Not only are there no traces of rust, but both the underside and the mechanical components - differential box, metal sheets of the leaf springs, exhaust line - are in really good condition. Everything appears to be in order under the hood as well. Before being purchased by the current owner, the car was used not so often, which is why a complete tune-up was done in 2018 on the 569 cc, 16.5 hp inline four-cylinder engine, replacing all the components most prone to deterioration (much of the work can be demonstrated with invoices). The last service, with engine oil replacement and filter cleaning, was last year, while in 2021 the front and rear brakes were overhauled.

It was quite easy to reconstruct the history of this Fiat 500 C Giardiniera Belvedere. The car, in fact, in its more than seventy years of life has had only two owners. The current one bought the “Topolino” 2018 (when it was already fully restored) and he provided all the necessary mechanical work to bring it back to perfect working order.

The "Topolino" represents one of the iconic models for Fiat, this small, economical car took a decisive step in the process of democratization of mobility brought to maturity, starting in the mid-1950s, with the 600 and 500. Cute, jaunty, with a retro look that arouses great curiosity in enthusiasts, this small, great city car in the Giardiniera version shows a unique personality. A timeless classic that portrays a golden period for the Italian automotive industry.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located in the province of Vicenza, Italy. To arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below or try our “Frequently Asked Questions”.