1947 Fiat 500A "Topolino" 2dr Cabriolet

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.