1939 Fiat 500 Topolino A “Convertible Four” |

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1939 Fiat 500 Topolino A “Convertible Four”

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£9,752

Mileage~87,400
TransmissionManual
Engine0.5L
LocationEpsom

SOLD

1939 Fiat 500 Topolino A “Convertible Four”

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Alan Stuart

Professional Consigner

An attractive adaptation of the Topolino for the British market, this "Convertible Four" is the ideal summer classic.

The Fiat 500 Topolino, commonly known as "Topolino" is a city car that was produced and manufactured in Italy between '36 to '55. The Topolino was one of the smallest cars in the world at the time of production. Three models were manufactured, all with only minor mechanical and cosmetic changes over their 19 years of production. The Topolino is equipped with a 569cc four-cylinder, side-valve, water-cooled engine mounted on the front axle.

The Convertible Four was an adaptation of the Fiat Topolino, produced in England for the British market. It used the same 569cc engine as the 500 and was RAC rated at 6.7hp with enough room for four adults and luggage as well. This particular Topolino Convertible Four has been fully restored from the ground up by Andrew over the last 30 years, and this actual car was featured in a road test carried out by Motor magazine in April 1939 (copy available).

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Alan after meeting Andrew the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I'll be sad to see the Little Mouse go, but after enjoying this project I'm keen to start another.

Andrew purchased the car back in 1987, and since then has been restoring the car from the ground up to the condition you see it in today. Since completing the restoration on the car, he's used it for local trips and regularly taken it to a number of Auto Italia days that are held at the Brooklands Museum in nearby Weybridge.

During the restoration, items were suitably refurbished, or new parts sourced where needed. Parts for this car are actually available from sources like Topolino Casagrande in Switzerland, and some spares will go with the car. Andrew will be more than happy to answer any of your questions in the comments below.

Andrew

Vehicle Owner

Andrew saved £1,620* when they
sold their Fiat with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

With the radiator placed behind the engine, it allowed this city car to gain a sleek and attractive pointed nose which set the Topolino apart.

Wheels and Tyres

The wheels have been shot blasted and stove-enamelled, they look excellent on this Fiat with the green paint looking beautiful. There are no areas of damage or serious marks, or corrosion to note. Likewise with original aluminium Fiat hub covers are in great condition.

The cross-ply rubber tells a similar story, period Waymaster 15" tyres with plenty of tread for the new owner with the tyres having been replaced in 2013.

Bodywork

Andrew reports a lot of work was undertaken with the car going back to bare metal for the restoration. Both sides of the floor pan have been replaced and the inner and outer sills along with the battery box. The panel gaps look good and correct with no signs of previous accident damage. The shut lines appear tight and in line with the rest of the condition of the car. Overall this car looks in excellent shape.

Andrew reports the Convertible Four is believed to have been converted from the Fiat 500 van by Messrs C. R. Abbott of London. The bodyline from the waist down suggests that it could just as easily have been based on the normal 500 two-door, two-seater saloon. Take a look at the video and images for a detailed view.

Paint

It is thought that all of the Convertible Four's that were produced had a two-tone paint scheme. Andrew chose a green and black colour scheme, one that works very well with the tan colour interior.

The paintwork appears in excellent condition, the car having been taken back to metal and then repainted in cellulose. The paint is even in coverage and colour on every panel, please take a look for yourself on the interior and exterior photographs and videos.

Glass and Trim

Andrew reports the glass is all original to his knowledge, replacing some of the trim after the respray and adding new window catches. The car still wears its original Fiat badge, a lovely touch for a car from the 30s.

Overall it's in great condition and in line with the rest of the car with no signs of cracks, chips or discolouration to note - all the trim/seals look great too with no signs of obvious wear. The convertible roof has been re-trimmed in mohair and looks excellent.

Please take a look at the videos to see the glass and trim in detail.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Tan leather combined with the dark green paint scheme looks great in this Italian Classic.

Seats and Carpets

The seats look excellent in this example and have obviously been re-upholstered in leather during the restoration. On our visit, we didn't notice any obvious signs of wear and tear, a very clean example throughout.

The carpets and door cards also tell a similar story, fully re-upholstered and restored to a very high standard.

Dashboard

The dashboard and instrument dials appear as you would expect, in original condition with patina. The dashboard in the Convertible Four was identical to the original 500 Topolino dash, painted the same as the exterior, a feature that remains to this day with modern 500's too.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel and gear stick are in line with the rest of the interior, they're shown here in great original condition.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

A fully restored example, the running gear was also taken apart and refurbished during rebuild.

Engine and Gearbox

The Fiat Topolino Convertible Four was powered using the same 569cc side-valve engine as the production 500 Topolino, RAC rated it at 6.7hp. Andrew mentions the engine, chassis, running gear, and instrumentation were identical to the standard car, with the exception of the final drive ratio, which was increased from 4.87:1 to 5.1:1 to compensate for the additional 1 cwt of the larger body.

The engine was stripped down and found to be in good condition so no major work was undertaken, but the opportunity was taken to replace the valves and valve springs. Watch the video to see it spring in to life from cold.

Suspension and Brakes

The road test by "The Motor" magazine makes reference to 'excellent brakes' and the 'finger-tip steering' for this car, and this with 4 adult passengers aboard!

The brakes are hydraulically operated drums, Andrew reports they are working very well along with the suspension with no unusual knocks or noises coming from either. The hydraulic master cylinder, and all wheel cylinders along with brake shoes were replaced as part of the work. In addition to this, the wheel bearings and seals were also replaced.

The Drive

A road test of the Convertible Four was carried out by staff of 'The Motor' magazine in April 1939 (of this particular car) who were quite obviously very impressed by the performance with four adults on board. The notorious 'Porlock Hill’ was negotiated in first gear without any trouble at all. Reference was made regarding the 'excellent brakes' and the 'finger-tip' steering.

Andrew reports a great drive in this Convertible Four, a smooth and steady drive from a car that is 81 years old! As mentioned, he's taken the car at a number of Auto Italia days at Brooklands Museum in Weybridge.

Electrics and Other

The engine has electronic ignition fitted and an electronic fuel shut off valve. The starter motor was reconditioned recently. The dynamo has had replacement brushes fitted and is charging the battery.

Andrew reports all the electrics are working well to his knowledge.

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History and Paperwork

Coming out of over 30 years ownership, an example that has had an enthusiasts ground up restoration.

Andrew has spent 25 years restoring this very rare Fiat 500 Topolino "Convertible Four". It was taken back to bare metal and panels replaced where necessary. Importantly, inner and outer sills along with both floor pans were replaced, meaning the car has the potential to go another 81 years!

This actual car was used for the road test by "The Motor" magazine, as you'll see pictured. Please take a look at the paperwork to see some manuals and magazines included along with the restoration photos along the way.

Checks carried out by us; Seller ID, V5, HPi.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage

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Key Details

Model500 Topolino A
TransmissionManual
Reg. Date27.03.1939
CC570
Mileage~87,400
ColourGreen
Interior ColourTan
Interior TrimLeather
Chassis #056074
Engine #011407
MOTExempt
MOT ExemptYes
Road Tax ExemptYes
HPi ClearYes
Former Keepers1
Security SysStandard
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned33 years
Key FeatureOwnership

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All Images

All Videos

Vehicle Sold

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This vehicle has now been sold - click 'I Want One' below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

I WANT ONE

Ask Questions

Seller : Andrew R Sale Date 12.04.2021

Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.

Member

Frank

Hi Andrew,

Thanks for your message. I already own two Convertible Four seaters and I would like some additional information from you even if you have sold the car.

Hope to hear from you.

Kind regards Frank

Guest

Andrew Richmond

Hi John, thanks for your message. It sounds as if you are keen Topolino enthusiast. There are only a handful of 4 seaters left so you have a rare car there, albeit requiring restoration. The good thing is that there are still plenty of spares available. I hope my car will go to a good home like yours. I won’t be tackling another full restoration as it has taken me so long to get this car finished. Please let me know if you would like any more information.

Member

Frank

Good afternoon,

Can you give me more information about the original color scheme. The original engine has been fitted (matching numbers). In what condition did you buy the car and do you also have spare parts with the car?

Greetings Frank

Author

Andrew R

The car was originally in two-tone metallic green. As far as I know the engine is original however I can’t find the engine number to verify this. The car was originally in not too bad condition for its age but has been completely stripped and rebuilt replacing with new as needed.

Guest

John Boothman

Very impressive Andrew – I have a smart 2-seater, and a shabby 4-seater languishing at the back of my garage. Tempted by yours and then possibly selling my project car – unless you’re interested in restoring another?!
Regards
John

Member

Frank

Good afternoon John,

Can you give me more information about your Convertible 4 seater. What condition is he in.

Regards Frank

Author

Andrew R

The car is in full working order and has had a lot of time and money spent on it since purchasing it over thirty years ago. The body has had new floor panels fitted, taken back to bare metal, primed and sprayed in cellulose. The hood has been replaced in Mohair. The brake master cylinder, slave cylinders and shoes have all been replaced along with new wheel bearings and seals. Please refer to the description and copy bills online for other details.

Member

Frank

Hi Andrew,

Thanks for your message, but I asked John who also mentioned a Convertible Four.

I had a few short questions about your car. What is the original color in which the car was delivered in 1939, does the car have a matching number engine and are spare parts available? In what condition did you find the car and are there photos of it?

Does the car need to be picked up immediately?

Kind regards Frank

Author

Andrew R

Sorry I was at cross purposes. There are photos of the car during the rebuild some of which are shown under the documents section on the Trade Classics site. I do have some spares includes a set of oversize pistons.

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Epsom

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