THE A,B,Cs OF FIAT TOPOLINOS

by Ross McGown

(By kind permission of the author and of Restored Cars magazine, where it first appeared in issue #95.)

InterestingIy the Fiat 5OOs were good seIIers world wide from their inception In 1936, and Australia presented a good market for these tiny "TopoIinos" both up to the beginning of the war hostilities, and again afterwards. It was because of the war that a littIe known piece of the "TopoIino's" history became interwoven with our own motoring hIstory in the form of a car called the Devon.

The name "TopoIino" was never coined by the factory. The ltalian public affectionately gave the name to the original 500 -it means Mickey Mouse in Italian.

Firstly though a little about those early days when the "Topolino" was released fifty-six years ago. The Fiat company had not previously produced such a small car, their biggest successes being the 1 1/2 litre 501 and smaller 509s of the twenties. In the mid thirties Italy was not a big car-owning country, nor did the ordinary Italian have loads of lire to lavish on a car. The company recognised the need to produce a new design to meet the need for a cheap reliable car. A competition open to all divisions of the Fiat organisation was set up. Aviation engineer Dante Giacosa's proposals were accepted and the first really small Fiat was ready for release in July 1936. Giascosa had completed a revolutionary design that would begin a whole new generation of small cars for Fiat from then on.

The chassis had been drilled to keep weight down, and alloys were used extensively in the mechanicals. With only 13 bhp available, weight was a critical factor. Good design also went into weight distribution and space utilisation, with the tiny engine mounted ahead of the front axle enabling adequate passenger space for two people. Advanced for a cheap car then, independent front suspension was by a transverse spring, braking was hydraulic, and transmission was four speed with synchromesh top and third gears.

The side valve engine was basically straightforward, of 569 cc and developing its maximum power at 4000 rpm. A two main bearing crankshaft ran in white metal bearings, in a cast iron block, using an alloy head. The radiator was sited behind the engine, with the fan mounted at the rear of the generator bolted on top of the head.

The key to its success was undoubtedly that the Topolino was a big car in miniature. Unlike many earlier attempts to create an economy car the little Fiat was a "drivers" car with handling and braking capabilities far outstripping its limited performance in standard tune. It readily took off in the market it was designed for, but also gained a niche with the racing fraternity. In 1938 it captured the hearts of British enthusiasts when a special Topolino race was staged at Brooklands. The crowd loved it. . .

In France it was built under licence by Simca, and in Germany by NSU, while specially bodied Topolinos were made in a number of countries. In Australia, the old established Melbourne coachbuilding firm of James Flood were quick to provide a tourer, designed in 1938 and released at the Melbourne Motor Show in 1939.

In June 1939, the "Australian Motorist" listed the 500 roadster/tourer among the exhibits for the Show. They described it as "just released. Modern streamlined design. Exceptionally roomy with generous luggage accommodation. Bark tanned leather upholstery. Chromium plated folding windscreen. All weather equipment. Independent front suspension. Cushioned squab at rear."

James Flood says that about 100 of these were made, before imports of Fiat chassis ceased with the war. Melbourne agents for Fiats, Devon Motors, commenced imports again when hostilities ceased, and presumably to allay anti-Italian feeling, sold the Topolino range under the name "Devon Seven". The Fiat name was replaced with "Devon" on the bonnet badge, and with the letter "D" on the hubcaps. Devon Motors when they were in business could not provide any details on numbers sold under the Devon banner.

The Australian bodied tourers were also sold under the Devon name, being called "Devon Nippy Sevens". Priced at one hundred and ninety nine pounds, they were also the cheapest car on the market here.

The four cylinder front engined 500s were produced in three series from 1936 to 1955, when the rear engined 600 finally replaced the "Topolino".

The original A series with its sidevalve motor ran through to 1948. The B series retained the same external appearance, but was fitted with an overhead valve engine, producing 16.5 bhp. Not much, but a 27% increase over the A model. Telescopic dampers replaced lever type and there were other minor trim changes. In 1949 the body was altered entirely with the release of the C series. Under the bonnet though, the B motor lived on, with only minor alterations. The most notable was the replacement of the B's iron head with alloy.

There were 122,000 A models produced, 21,200 B models, and 376,370 C models. Apart from the coupe styles, station wagons and vans were produced in the factory. Charles Hope serviced the Australian need for a coupe utility with three different styles - probably the smallest ute ever until the arrival of the Suzukis in the eighties.

There is an upsurge of interest by restorers in these little Fiats all over the world. A number are currently under restoration in Australia, adding to their existing ranks. Most parts are not difficult to locate, although body panels and trim for the A and B models are rare. There are Topolino specialists in Europe, carrying most mechanical parts. Here in Australia, the Vintage and Veteran Fiat Club accepts these 500s for membership, and is forming a Topolino Register.

1938 flood bodied 5OOA

We all hear people say "I wish I had never sold that car!" I can say that about some cars I've owned over the years too but when in 1960 my father gave me a 1938 Fiat there came with it an understanding that it wasn't to be resold. The Fiat had been owned by speedway ace Frank Arthur originally, then by my father from 1946 to 1950, and by his brother-in-Iaw until 1960. Four years later I had completed my fIrst restoration. In those days not too many people were interested in the thirties vchicles, and I had to seek special consideration to get accepted into a vintage club. The Fiat primarily though served as my first wheels, and although short on power was a delightful car to handle. It could hold its own on twisty suburban roads.

After finding a total disinterest by the then local Brisbane agents in assisting, the Fiat factory was contacted and was particularly cooperative in assisting with parts. A new aluminium head cost thirteen pounds, including air freight, whilst a workshop manual and parts book were supplied free. The Melbourne agent Devon Motors were also helpful. and supplied a number of small parts.

Some items such as grille trim and instruments were only available from wrecks.
Interestingly the origins of the tourer were a mystery to me in those days. despite the James Flood badge. It was not until after contact with a range of Fiat experts both in Australia and overseas. who were mystified by its origins, that the idea that it was an Australian bodied car surfaced, and James Flood confirmed that in 1969.

Ross McGown's Topolino with body by James Flood of Melbourne

Ross with his Topolino