A Fiat 500 Giardiniera, on the Joe Macari Stand, at the 2019 London Classic Car Show
The Fiat 500 was produced from 1957-1975 and is one of the most important and recognisable cars ever made due to being the first true 'city-car.' The 500K or Giardiniera is the estate version of the Cinquecento and was the longest running model, produced from 1960-1975. The Giardiniera featured the standard 499cc engine, laid on its side to create a flat loading space in the rear. The retractable roof on the Giardiniera was also extended to open above the rear passengers, as opposed to the smaller opening on 'standard' 500s at the time. The 500K also featured the rear-hinged 'suicide doors,' the last model in the range to continue with this configuration into the 1970s. In 1966, production of the Giardiniera was moved Desio, now built by subsidiary Autobianchi. This explains why later models, such as the beautiful White with Black example presented, were badged as Autobianchis (not Fiats), although the car generally remained the same. This is a beautifully restored example an iconic Fiat 500, a piece of automotive history. The 500 Giardiniera (500 K on some markets) estate version of the Fiat 500 is the longest running model. The engine is laid under the floor of the boot to create a flat loading surface. The roof on this model also stretches all the way to the rear, not stopping above the driver and front passenger as it does in other models of the same period. The Giardiniera also features "suicide doors" and was the only model to continue to use this door type into the 1970s. In 1966 production was transferred to Desio where the Giardiniera was built by Fiat subsidiary Autobianchi. A total of 327,000 Giardinieras were produced, later examples having Autobianchi rather than Fiat badging
Size: 5142px × 3744px
Location: ExCel London, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock,
Photo credit: © John Gaffen / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: -cylinder, -quarters, 3-door, 499cc, 500, air-cooled, autobianchi., automotive, car, centre, cinquecento, city, classic, dante, designer, desio, doors, economy, engine, estate, excel, exibition, fiat, front, giacosa, giardiniera, history, italian, london, market, post-war, rare, rear-hinged, restored, retractable, roof, suicide, version, view
