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This is one of the coolest cars you will ever see. The 500 Giardinera (the Giardiniera ("gardener") or Station Wagon) is rare under any circumstance, but this may be the nicest example in the US. It is a survivor with what are believed to be a little over 13,000 original kilometers (documentation from 1995). This car started out in Italy, and is believed to have been owned by a mechanic in the Ferrari factory, who appeared to chrish the car. It was imported to the US about 20 years ago. The paint is flawless, and was redone one time. Much or the rubber is original, including the floor mats. It even comes with license plates from Italy at the time. (It is also registered in California).
The car starts right up, and drives like a champ. It is a wonder of engineering, holding 4 people amazingly comfortably. With a top speed of about 55 mph, it can be used as a real car on the weekends. It is such an attention getter I have made a fact sheet that I leave displayed in the car when I leave because the car will always gather a crowd filled with questions.
Traditionally, Italy has always been the leader in creating beautiful, frugal family cars, able to zip through ancient Rome's smallest cobblestone side streets and park upright, if necessary. A Fiat Cinquecento, "five-hundred" (due to its engine capacity in cubic centimeters) is as Italian as Cappuccino, Amaretto, and the magnificent Pavarotti performing at the Grand Opera in Milano. Built between 1960 and 1978 and available in various body styles, this and the Jolly are the models that stand out among its peers:
Of breathtaking versatility, the Giardiniera surely qualifies as the most utilitarian and, at the same time, one of the most fun-to-drive microcars around. Built on a Fiat 500 chassis with a 4-inch stretch, it sports many unique features, setting it apart from the garden variety sedan. Ingeniously, the little rear-mounted engine was turned on its side to help create a perfectly flat cargo area. Bigger brakes (from the Fiat 600) were installed, and a beefed-up suspension to handle heavier loads. No need to take the SUV, next time you scoot to the Megamarket to buy the family groceries for a month. Fold down the rear seat, and the Giardiniera will swallow amazing amounts of stuff ! I actually use it for this purpose on weekends. The car is amazing.
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The Cinquecento is an open car, a very open car, actually. Pull back the
full-length fabric top on a sunny day (it takes but 5 seconds), and you
instantly experience the wonderful feeling of driving an exotic convertible
along the shores of Lago Maggiore! The wonderfully austere dash contains everything one will ever need in a car!
There is a Cyclops binnacle housing the speedometer, a switch for the
lights, one for the windshield wipers. Everything works flawlessly with two exceptions. The windshield washers do not spray. But, I did not want to replace the original rubber parts. And, the horn has recently stopped tooting. There is one small rust bubble in the rear door, which I have shown in the photos as well as I can. That's it.
While the doors feature large vent windows and roll-down side glass, the rear
passengers can enjoy sliding windows. The Italians, used to hot summers, really
know a thing or two about ventilation. Should it get cold, though, small,
adjustable heater outlets on the floor--barely visible above--deliver some warm
air.
Authentic red-and-white vinyl and fabric upholstery is in excellent
condition. It's just like being home, in Bella Italia, back in the
Sixties. Close your eyes and you might visualize swarms of Vespa and Lambretta
motorscooters humming by . . .
So where's the engine?
Unlatch and lift up a panel in the rear, and the 18hp, 500cc air-cooled, four-stroke, parallel twin is revealed. Everything looks neat, dry, and tidy--having covered only 13,000 original kilometers (less than 10,000 miles). I have all KINDS of goodies with it. Almost every manual, including the original owners manual, and every book and original brochure available. The only work of any consequence to the car has been replacement of the carb with an NOS spare. Mechanical spares are plentiful and extremely inexpensive, if needed. How about a new wheel cylinder for $5, or a master cylinder for $15? Driving a classic car does not have to be expensive.
Another trunk!
In th front, neatly containing battery, spare tire, tank, brake and
windshield washer reservoirs, there's still some room for odds and ends. Every
inch of the Giardiniera can be put to use. The car has the origninal jack and tool kit.
Fantastico!
This car is a timeless Classic. The popularity of the classic 500s has soared with re entry of Fiat to the US market. Most importantly, though, driving the 500 will put a smile on your face and everyone around you. . You can't put a price on happiness, and this Fiat will make your day a happy day, every day, guaranteed!
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