1949 Fiat Other

500c Topolino Giardiniera Woody Wagon Wagon

500cc

Manual

149089

Clear

Gasoline

Unmolested Barn Find 1949 Fiat Topolino Woody Wagon with 15,224 original miles.   Representative of Fiat’s post WWII return to automotive production, this woody wagon is one of only a few known still in existence, perhaps the best example of an original specimen. It is sure to draw interest worldwide from Fiat aficionados and woody collectors alike.   Care has been taken to leave the patina in place from its 50 year rest. The engine turns freely but has not been made operational. The vehicle has a clear Connecticut title. 15,224 original unmolested miles.  Original paint and wood finish without any rust or wood rot.  The original Michelin tires were still on the car when removed from the barn (they go with the car).  Four new Coker Excelsior tires have been mounted so that the car can easily roll.   In 1963 this “Little Mouse” caught a young father’s eye in Simsbury, Connecticut. Discovered while taking a new route home (dad was famous for that) the woody Giardiniera wouldn’t let go. Soon enough it was part of the family. It was licensed but soon it traveled inside a moving van with other family treasures to the Oley Valley of Pennsylvania Dutch country. There it has rested stationary, indoors, near mounds of hay since the fall of ’63. Occasionally the cover was rolled back and young brothers and sisters would travel on imaginative trips both near and far.  Then yet another generation took their turns at the wheel, always treated as a family treasure.  Now uncovered once again for this its next journey. Breathe in; can you smell the history?   For 1949, the Topolino was given a dramatic facelift, as the 500C. A wider horizontal grille looked more up-to-date, and the tail of the coupe and cabriolet was lengthened. A new model was the Giardiniera, literally "gardener," a compact little station wagon. It was built by Fiat's in-house Carrozzerie Speciali operation, which, as the name implied, was a special coachwork division. Few of these had real wood on the exterior, most had stamped metal panels.  Serious bidders are invited and encouraged to view the Woody wagon located at our shop in Reading, Pennsylvania 19601, USA.   VIN: 149089   Engine #: 153227 Fresh Barn Find with very low original mileage 15,224 Original paint and wood work with no rust or wood rot Numbers matching Cloth top sunroof Semaphore trafficators (turn signals) Early Euro style bumpers Engine turns freely by hand but not operative Interior is original and in nice condition New Coker tires – have all 4 original tires Connecticut Certificate of Title states 1949 Fiat Station wagon. Dated at Wethersfield August 22, 1963. Originally had one center mounted rear tail / stop light that is missing & wood is broken at the mounting point Key is missing Wonderful historical piece to keep as found or restore to desired level   Please email with any questions before bidding.  Serious bidders are invited and encouraged to view the Fiat located at our shop in Reading, Pennsylvania 19601, USA.  Sold as is where is.  If interested, call Fred + 1 610 796 1446 eastern time zone.  Ebay members with less than 5 positive feedback must communicate with us before bidding.  Very reasonable reserve.   Payment terms: $500 non-refundable PayPal deposit within 24 hours of auction end.   Balance in cash upon pick-up or bank wire transfer.  Full payment must be received within 7 calendar days of end of auction.   Shipping arrangements are the responsibility of the auction winner.  We will work in full cooperation with the transport company of your choice.  Vehicle pick-up must be within 14 days of end of auction.  Thank you.   We are the promoters of the Deutsche Classic, Mid Atlantic’s premier all German automotive event held in Reading, PA on Saturday July 11th, 2015 as well as the European+ Automotive Auction series.