1960 Fiat 500 Garidiniera Wagon

Description

Universally recognized as a cult car, Fiat's 500 provided mass transportation for millions of Italians and remained in production for the best part of twenty years. A common sight on the streets of Italian cities and towns, where the diminutive Fiat could squeeze into the most unlikely parking spaces, the 500 was powered by a rear-mounted air-cooled twin. With just 18 horsepower available, the 500 wasn't likely to set any performance records but fuel economy was outstanding. In 1960 the station wagon - Giardiniera - was launched with the wheelbase lengthened by 4-inches to give a usefully enlarged load area, the flat floor achieved by turning the engine on its side. With sliding front and rear windows, a three-quarter length sunroof, suicide doors (as found on the earliest 500s), air vents on the side panels, the Giardiniera remained in production - later badged as an Autobianchi - for a couple of years after the 500. In total, around ten per cent of 500 production (roughly 327,000) were Giardinieras. Today any 500 - and the wagon in particular - is a rare sight on Australian roads but they remain extremely popular, particularly in Melbourne with such a rich Italian heritage and a strong club scene for the Fiat marque.