Fiat 500D

Both the FIAT 500 'Trasformable' and the 'Sport' were in production in the early part of 1960 and both wore the 'Nuova' title for the last time.  The 'Trasformable' had a full folding roof and early 1960 examples were mistakenly referred to as 500D's because the 500D was introduced that year.  The 500's bigger sister, the FIAT 600 became the 600D in mid 1960 and the 500D made its debut approximately one month later. The 'Trasformable' and the 'Sport' were dropped from the range at that time and the short folding roof was accepted as standard for later models.  A 499.5 cc engine (67.4 mm x 70 mm stroke) based on the 'Sport' engine was fitted, but rated to give 17.5 bhp at 4,400 rpm.  To allow more space under the front 'bonnet', the petrol tank - redesigned to take 21 litres of fuel - was now square shaped with very rounded contours.  Re-positioned on one side of the front boot rather than right across as the original, it allowed room for a reasonable sized suitcase or soft bag to be carried.  Inside, the back seat, realistically only suitable for two small children, now had a fold down back and two foot wells were pressed into the floorpan.  Other additions were windscreen washers, two padded sun visors and a brightness/dimming facility for two small dashboard lights indicating main beam and direction indicators.  On earlier cars, the windscreen wipers were positioned for cleaning the windscreen of left-hand drive cars only, leaving critical parts of the windscreen untouched when used for right-hand drive. In a futile attempt to address the problem, a longer windscreen wiper blade was fitted on the driver's side, but eventually, the problem was dealt with correctly and the wipers were repositioned for right-hand drive cars.

Specifications:  Rear mounted, 2 vertical in-line cylinders with overhead valves, air-cooled four stroke of 499.5 cc rated to give 17.5 hp at 4,400 rpm.
Engine Lubrication: Pressure
Maximum Speed: 95 kph (59 mph)
Fuel Consumption: 4.8 litres per 100 km (58 mpg)
Gears: 4 speeds forward with 2nd, 3rd and 4th in constant mesh, plus reverse.
Final Drive Ratio: Helical spur, 5.125 to 1.
Brakes: Foot operated self adjusting hydraulic drum brakes to all four wheels with hand operated mechanical brake to rear wheels. Suspension: Front: Independent with transverse springs and wishbones.  Rear: Independent with semi-trailing arms and coil springs.
Telescopic shock absorbers to all wheels.
12 Volt electrical system.

Dimensions:
Length: 2970 mm (9'9")
Width: 1321 mm (4'4")
Height: 1324 mm (4'4.12")