Hello from Australia, just purchased a fiat 500 ( right hand drive )but not sure what year or model . Was told the year is 1962 but not sure . Any help identify the car would be really appreciated.
General Not sure what year and model I have ?
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General Not sure what year and model I have ?
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The rear hinged doors mean it's an earlier car, either 500N or 500D, they switched for forward hinge in 1965.
This webpage shows you what years cover which chassis numbers: https://webshop.fiat500126.com/en/sites/6/
If I'm reading that right it's suggesting it would have been built in 1959 and be a 500N. Can you see the prefix, 110D / 110F or similar, on the engine number, that may also help identify it?
One of the other guys more clued up on the exact differences between the earlier models will be able to help more I'm sure!
This webpage shows you what years cover which chassis numbers: https://webshop.fiat500126.com/en/sites/6/
If I'm reading that right it's suggesting it would have been built in 1959 and be a 500N. Can you see the prefix, 110D / 110F or similar, on the engine number, that may also help identify it?
One of the other guys more clued up on the exact differences between the earlier models will be able to help more I'm sure!
Im leaning towards the same conclusion. According to the serial data out on the webs, this is all pointing to a 1958 era 500N. (58 falling between the
028539 to 051383 vin range) with the fender stamping on yours showing 110. 044581. typically on the D or F series cars it would be stammped 110D, or 110F before the Vin in the sheet metal.
With that said, it does not have the N series front paneling, It definitely had been replaced at some time in its life with a L or R front facia, and L/R badging. A N/D/F will have the classic fiat mini grill crest with mustache pcs. And a circular hole behind the mini grill where the horn is typically housed. Again, this is just my observation from the photos.
The Hardtop seems to be one from a D. When they made full rag top cars, along with cars with a bolt in clamshell, and conventional fabric "short" sunroof. I dont know if the early N's were ever offered with a hard shell top, most of the ones ive seen had full rag top. With that said, it should be removable (bolt in), and you could return it back to its full rag top glory.
Edit: looks like the later variant N's came in both variants. Dont know about 58.
You have yourself a early model car if the vin is correct. Down the road, i would recommend you consider restoring this N back to its formal original self, the N's are very collectable.
Like Goldnrust mentioned above, if by chance the engine is still original, the stamping will help with its originality. N's had a 479cc engine, while the D's had the 499cc
This could potentially be one of the NewZeland built 500's. which could possibly be a mishmash of parts. I unfortunetly dont have much info on the specs of the cars built there. I do have the Bambina book, maybe it would show some insight.
I dont know if any of the early model N's were ever offered in RHD. to the UK market. Guys any insight on that?
028539 to 051383 vin range) with the fender stamping on yours showing 110. 044581. typically on the D or F series cars it would be stammped 110D, or 110F before the Vin in the sheet metal.
With that said, it does not have the N series front paneling, It definitely had been replaced at some time in its life with a L or R front facia, and L/R badging. A N/D/F will have the classic fiat mini grill crest with mustache pcs. And a circular hole behind the mini grill where the horn is typically housed. Again, this is just my observation from the photos.
The Hardtop seems to be one from a D. When they made full rag top cars, along with cars with a bolt in clamshell, and conventional fabric "short" sunroof. I dont know if the early N's were ever offered with a hard shell top, most of the ones ive seen had full rag top. With that said, it should be removable (bolt in), and you could return it back to its full rag top glory.
Edit: looks like the later variant N's came in both variants. Dont know about 58.
You have yourself a early model car if the vin is correct. Down the road, i would recommend you consider restoring this N back to its formal original self, the N's are very collectable.
Like Goldnrust mentioned above, if by chance the engine is still original, the stamping will help with its originality. N's had a 479cc engine, while the D's had the 499cc
This could potentially be one of the NewZeland built 500's. which could possibly be a mishmash of parts. I unfortunetly dont have much info on the specs of the cars built there. I do have the Bambina book, maybe it would show some insight.
I dont know if any of the early model N's were ever offered in RHD. to the UK market. Guys any insight on that?
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The 110.000 engine is the 479cc normally found in the N
webshop.fiat500126.com
Unfortunetly is unlikely the original. IIRC, the engine number will match the lower stamped number on the vin plate.
Facts_Figures_Engines_Carburettors_Fiat_500 - Spare parts Axel Gerstl for Fiat 500 classic 126 600
Identify the currently installed engine in your classic Fiat 500 or Fiat 126 by its engine number! You will also find an overview of the carburetors used for the Fiat 500 and Fiat 126!
Unfortunetly is unlikely the original. IIRC, the engine number will match the lower stamped number on the vin plate.
the hobbler
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When I was an apprentice, my first 'proper' car was 500 with a full length soft-top--and RHD and suicide doors.The 110.000 engine is the 479cc normally found in the N
Facts_Figures_Engines_Carburettors_Fiat_500 - Spare parts Axel Gerstl for Fiat 500 classic 126 600
Identify the currently installed engine in your classic Fiat 500 or Fiat 126 by its engine number! You will also find an overview of the carburetors used for the Fiat 500 and Fiat 126!
Unfortunetly is unlikely the original. IIRC, the engine number will match the lower stamped number on the vin plate.
I would NOT change the roof...I believe that is the original roof that came with the car. FYI, the roof is not simply bolted on...there is a cross bar welded on the front edge to hold the roof structure in place. Taking the roof off will also leave open holes on the edges. The rear air intake grill will also need to be changed.
I don't know a thing about RHD 500's or export models, but guessing this is a 59' Normale Tetto Apribile. I think these cars are often mis-identified as D types because of the roof and exterior lights.
I see no windscreen washers, roll down windows, no side indicators on the front fender, early engine cover lid, early wheels, rear seat cushions, etc. etc. The front face is a bit odd...I'm not too sure when FIAT started to use that badge on all their cars? What does the front luggage compartment look like? Behind the dashboard, on the passenger side, about where the wiper motor will be, do you see a small patch of fabric inserted into a metal shelf?
Overall, my completely amateur opinion, its close to original and wouldn't go making drastic changes.
I don't know a thing about RHD 500's or export models, but guessing this is a 59' Normale Tetto Apribile. I think these cars are often mis-identified as D types because of the roof and exterior lights.
I see no windscreen washers, roll down windows, no side indicators on the front fender, early engine cover lid, early wheels, rear seat cushions, etc. etc. The front face is a bit odd...I'm not too sure when FIAT started to use that badge on all their cars? What does the front luggage compartment look like? Behind the dashboard, on the passenger side, about where the wiper motor will be, do you see a small patch of fabric inserted into a metal shelf?
Overall, my completely amateur opinion, its close to original and wouldn't go making drastic changes.
Hi myoshik , Thanks for the info. I have taken some photos of the areas you suggested to look at . Appreciate and further information.
Kind regards kris
Kind regards kris
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Bigvtwin996
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59/60 500 N but somewhat confusing (see later)
but chassis plate looks a diy made up one..
110 engine number signifies ita a 497 N engine
Later L front panel
Only early 500Ns had teardrop indicators on the wings...
under the bonnet is a mess...
D petrol tanl and D cluch fluid resevoir
1/4 window catches at N so the car looks to be mostly an N
but now the confusing buts..
Rear lights are the later style N/D
(love the horn position - it should reside behind the front badge if the correct one was fitted)
but note by the horn the little interior vent flap (same on other side) these are from the much earlier 57/58 Cars as the front panel would have had small vents to allow air into the cabin....
When I have more time I will look in more detail at the pictures...
but a real mismatch...
Could have been an early car resurected using a lot of parts from a D
but chassis plate looks a diy made up one..
110 engine number signifies ita a 497 N engine
Later L front panel
Only early 500Ns had teardrop indicators on the wings...
under the bonnet is a mess...
D petrol tanl and D cluch fluid resevoir
1/4 window catches at N so the car looks to be mostly an N
but now the confusing buts..
Rear lights are the later style N/D
(love the horn position - it should reside behind the front badge if the correct one was fitted)
but note by the horn the little interior vent flap (same on other side) these are from the much earlier 57/58 Cars as the front panel would have had small vents to allow air into the cabin....
When I have more time I will look in more detail at the pictures...
but a real mismatch...
Could have been an early car resurected using a lot of parts from a D
Thanks bigtwin996 , am starting to see that it has a part from every fiat ever made on it lol .
Bigvtwin996
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People would do anything to keep a car on the road...
I have a 58 car where teh floor was made from a single sheet of steel, pushed up from underneath trimmed and welded in place
I have a 58 car where teh floor was made from a single sheet of steel, pushed up from underneath trimmed and welded in place
Yep . I can see the previous owner has done some random mechanical work on this car . The electrical work is also a mess . Really appreciate the insight and hopefully will be able to start to get the car back close to original.
My understanding, 1959 should have rear lights identical to the D. 1959 was also when the vents under the headlights were eliminated and replaced with parking/indicator lights with an aluminum bezel. But as Bigvtwin996 mentioned, the vents under the hood are still there...I thought those would be gone (see photo of an example from 1959). And the fuel tank is indeed from a later D type.
The front panel is strange...it definitely has a badge from a L, but why bother to put on the "wings"? Another way to tell is to see what kind of head lights are used.
The front panel is strange...it definitely has a badge from a L, but why bother to put on the "wings"? Another way to tell is to see what kind of head lights are used.
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These are some photos of the lights and also I moved the front badge and there is no hole behind it . Thinking maybe front end was replaced after an accident??
