The grande papà of Fiat 500 Topolino’s will come up for auction at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, next week.
Despite rolling off the production line an incredible 70 years ago, this classic Topolino is pretty much in pristine condition boasting sparkling silver paintwork with black trim and the original engine and gearbox in tact.
The “little mouse” will come with a pretty big price tag. The pre-auction estimate is £11,000 to £13,000.
The Fiat 500 Topolino, registered 587 XUK, with chassis number 013080 and engine number 013229, was first registered by Manchester City Council on April 13, 1937.
The car has been treated to much restoration work, though it retains its original engine and has been part of a private collection since 2008.
Fiat 500 Topolino eligible for Mille Miglia?
It is understood to be eligible for the Mille Miglia – the 1,000 mile race held every year in Italy to commemorate the original road touring event which ran between 1953 and 1957 and was resurrected in 1977.
Only cars manufactured pre 57, which had registered for the original race, can take part in the event which follows a route from Brescia to Rome and back again.
Though highly desirable, the car coming up for auction will fall a long way short of the most expensive Fiat 500 ever to be sold. That record was set nine years ago when the hammer came down on one of four specially commissioned examples of the supermini painted by the artist Tracey Emin.
It was sold during an auction in June 2008 to raise money for the charity ARK (Absolute Return for Kids). Incredibly, the auction raised £25 million.
A Fiat 500 for a cool £200,000
And the sale price for that record-breaking Fiat 500, the smallest of cars? An eye-watering but incredibly cool £200,000.
If you are considering splashing out on a vintage Topolino, a classic 500, or a modern 500 Abarth Esseesse, it would be good to remember that specialist motor insurance company Adrian Flux has created a range of bespoke schemes exclusive to Fiat 500 owners.
If you own a little Fiat 500, of whatever vintage, it is good sense to give one of the motor insurance experts at Adrian Flux a call on 0800 369 8590, to see if you could make a big saving on your insurance premium.
For details of the Duxford auction on Wednesday, July 26, visit H&H Classics Auctions or to register an interest in the 1957 Fiat 500 Topolino call H&H on 01925 210035.
