General 500 american version

[cavallo95]

Hi, i was wondering if anybody knows how many 500 American versions were imported to the USA in the 1950-60's. I was also wondering if their value is more than the regular 500. I've been having a hard time finding this info online. Thanks!

 

[oopsadaisy]

I didn't know there were versions specifically for the USA market?

However, thinking on, I guess they would have been LHD but with speedometer in MPH?

Just guessing.......... but I can't imagine such a small car would have been very appealing to the US market?

 

[JimMagill]

Yeah, there were offical imports to the states but as the headlights had to be moved up and out making them gawky, they're not as pretty as the euro ones so I don't think they'd be worth as much as a euro one..

There are some in the Fiat & Lancia USA club, see www.flu.org

Jim

 

[Panda Van]

This is the only american spec one in the UK I know of, lil' whopper who is used for drag racing:slayer:

 

[oopsadaisy]

Ah... I see what you mean about the headlights Jim - and agreed it does make them look a bit 'gawky'

I am still amazed such a tiny car ever appealed to the U S market.

 

[JimMagill]

it didn't... Hence why they're so rare


Most of the 500 that are in the states are euro imports now (or came back with american service men in the 60's and 70's before they got tight on bringing in euro cars that wern't federalised....)

Jim

 

[jeremys87gt]

Hello everyone I'm new and this is my first reply. I just bought a 1958 fiat 500 american version. I know the headlights are moved up and out but the ones on that race car look way to big, after seeing that picture I went and looked at mine and the headlights did not look that large. My car is going to need some work, its going to need floor boards for sure and it is rusty right where the bumper is mounted through the front sheet metal on the nose. I bought the car from a friend for $400 us dollars. I thought that was a fair price since I never ever see these cars in the united states not even at car shows. I'm going to go pick it up next thrusday and I will take alot of picture for everyone to see and also point out all the differances between the normal version and the american version. The friend I bought it from has around 30 fiat's and said there were less than 1000 units sold in the US sorry for carring on so long I'm going to need alot of help with this litttle car but this looks like the right forum to get it.

Thanks Jeremy

 

[JimMagill]

Don't forget www.flu.org

 

[Panda Van]

Hi Jeremy, welcome to the forum !!! We'll look forward to the picture's of your car

 

[PuntoSS]

Yep, you're definately at the right place. Am I right in thinking that the Nuova 500 (new FIAT 500) is due to be imported into the States in 2010? :S I wonder if they'll have to reposition the headlights on that, too?

 

[1966giallo500]

they also have big heavy '57 chevy style bumpers. $400 is a great price. I saw a basket cast go for $2500 and a badly rusted driver go for $4000
Dave