Skip advert
Advertisement

The Fiat 500 is 60 today!

The original city car turns 60 years old on July 4th 2017, exactly six decades on from the first production model in 1957

It is exactly 60 years to the day since the Fiat 500 - then known as the Nuova 500 - rolled off the manufacturer’s production line in Turin for the very first time.

Originally conceived by designer Dante Giacosa, it was launched in 1957, quickly becoming popular and eventually growing into one of Italy’s most recognisable motoring icons.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Best city cars to buy in 2017

Its initial production run lasted eighteen years, during which time almost four million Fiat 500s were sold worldwide before the model was discontinued in 1975.

At just 2.75m long and tipping the scales at 479kg, the original could afford to get by with a 479cc engine that produced just 13bhp. Unsurprisingly style was the Fiat 500s forte - an area that the modern day version continues to focus on with its range of customisation options.

It’s believed that around 400,000 first generation 500s survive on Italian roads today.

“The 60th birthday of the Fiat 500 may be small in stature but it’s a car that’s had a massive impact on the automotive world,” said FCA’s Ashley Andrew.

“Few cars can claim to have made the same impression on popular culture and even fewer still have continued to inspire others and imbue passion for six decades.”

In 2007 - the year of the 500’s 50th birthday - the model was relaunched to much acclaim within the industry, and since then more than two million examples of the city car have been sold in over 100 countries.

And while it continues to be a success on the forecourts, the modern Fiat 500 has a lot more competition these days, such as the Skoda Citigo, Kia Picanto and 2017 City Car of the Year VW up!

Are you happy to see the Fiat 500 celebrate its 60th birthday? Let us know below!

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best electric cars 2025: the top 10 best EVs you can buy
Best electric cars header

Best electric cars 2025: the top 10 best EVs you can buy

Thinking about making the switch to an electric vehicle? Here are the EVs that should be on your shortlist, and why…
Best cars & vans
14 May 2025
New Fiat 500 Hybrid set to finally arrive, and it’ll be a manual!
Fiat 500 Hybrid ‘Ibrida’ - front end

New Fiat 500 Hybrid set to finally arrive, and it’ll be a manual!

The 500 Ibrida will look just like the all-electric 500e
News
13 May 2025
Best small cars to buy 2025 - our favourite little low-cost runabouts
Best small cars - header image

Best small cars to buy 2025 - our favourite little low-cost runabouts

Small cars come in all shapes, if not sizes. Here we highlight the best ones to buy
Best cars & vans
8 May 2025
Best convertible cars and cabriolets to buy 2025
Best convertibles 2025 - header

Best convertible cars and cabriolets to buy 2025

Love the feeling of the wind in your hair while driving? These are the cars for you
Best cars & vans
28 Apr 2025

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: Sacre bleu! The Renault 5 keeps getting cheaper
Renault 5 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Sacre bleu! The Renault 5 keeps getting cheaper

The modern-day Super Cinq comes with a super price. It’s our Deal of the Day for 14 May
News
14 May 2025
Best electric cars 2025: the top 10 best EVs you can buy
Best electric cars header

Best electric cars 2025: the top 10 best EVs you can buy

Thinking about making the switch to an electric vehicle? Here are the EVs that should be on your shortlist, and why…
Best cars & vans
14 May 2025
Kia is returning to its 'Keeping It Affordable' roots
Opinion - Kia

Kia is returning to its 'Keeping It Affordable' roots

Mike Rutherford thinks new cars are simply too expensive, but some manufacturers are starting to do something about it
Opinion
19 May 2025