1952 Fiat Other

500C Wagon

Unspecified

500C-412011

Clear

Gasoline

Fiat introduced the Topolino in 1936 as an economical form of motorized transportation for the masses. It was known affectionately as the "Topolino" or "Little Mouse" in Italian. The economical aspect was acheived by powering it with a front mounted 569cc engine, 4 speed transmission, and rear wheel drive. Production continued until 1955 when it was replaced by an upgraded rear engined 500 Model. This car is a very rare Kombi, also known as Giardinera or Belvedere, which in our parlance is a station wagen. As a 1952, it is a 500C which is the final model of the series. Suicide doors, a fold-out windshield, full length sunroof, and period Motorola radio are just some of the items that add to the charm of this little cutie. I purchased it from a man who said that it had belonged to his recently deceased mother. He didn't know much about it other than the fact that it had always been around the house, and his mother may have been the original owner. Obviously, it needs a complete restoration or would be an excellent candidate to be made into a hot rod or it could be an excellent parts source. Although with the current surge in value of micro cars, it would probably pay to restore it if you have the requisite parts and skills. Make no mistake, this would be a major under taking and not for the faint of heart. The glass is all there and,aside from a couple of easily polished out scratches in the windshield, is in pretty decent condition. There isn't much exterior trim and a lot of it is aluminum so, except for the bumpers, not much plating is required. All of its original instruments and the seats are included. Overall, considering the car's age, the body is straight. However, there are some dents especially where over the rear door and upper right rear corner (i'm guessing from a tree limb), and probably a few others. The floors, cargo area floor, bottom of the spare tire compartment have rust holes, but these are flat metal areas, therefore easily repaired. There is surface rust and some rusted areas in the frame. The outer body is surprisingly solid. There is NO ENGINE or TRANSMISSION. You will note in the one photo that there is a crate if loose parts including the radiator, 2 starters, 2 manifolds, the valve cover, the flywheel, and a number of miscellaneous pieces. I tried to show as many of these as possible. If you have any questions of exactly what is included, email me or call before you bid. What you see in the pictures is what you get; if it isn't pictured, it isn't included. The car rolls freely for loading. In view of the age and the dry rotted condition of the tires, you will need to have it transported by trailer, or on a truck. Make no mistake, this is a major project or parts car. Study the photo's carefully and contact me with any concerns prior to placing a bid. My phone number is 570-740-7007, and my business hours Mon. to Fri. 10:00 to 6:00 EDT, and Sat. Noon to 3:00 EDT. I urge you to either come and evaluate the car yourself, or have a third party inspect it for you before you bid. Call me at least 24 hours ahead to arrange an appointment. Because of the age, this car will be sold as mileage exempt. By placing the successful bid, you are entering into a contract to purchase this car AS-IS, WHERE-IS at Bear Auto Co., in Plymouth PA. You are not agreeing to make up your mind later or to negotiate after the fact. You are agreeing to purchase at your bid price period. Prior to bidding be sure to secure the permission of you significant other, finance source, or any other involved parties. The winning bidder is required to send a non-refundable downpayment of $500.00 by paypal within 48 hours of the end of the auction. The balance is due within 7 days of the close of bidding via cash-in-hand, or bank wire transfer.On Oct-13-10 at 17:53:49 PDT, seller added the following information:News Flash: ONE OF THESE SOLD FOR $45,500.00 in no.1 condition at Bonham's Quail Lodge auction 8/12-13/2010 in Carmel, CA; according to Old Cars Weekly News & Marketplace's 10/14/10 edition.On Oct-14-10 at 16:56:26 PDT, seller added the following information:According to Bonham's site, the total price of the 500C Giardinera sold at their Carmel CA sale, including their premium was $53,235.00.