THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Production period
- 1949
- Body style
- Barchetta
- Engine
- Inline-4
- Type
- Fuori-serie
- Displacement
- 569 cc
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAR
Coachbuilding, design & conversions
PRICE & SALES RECORD
Vehicle value
- Original price
- Not documented
- Latest recorded sale
- Not documented
01 / THE STORY
History & context
The Fiat 500 Spider (1949) was coachbuilt by Colli. During this period, Fiat aimed to create a lightweight and agile vehicle that appealed to the post-war market, leading to the development of this model. The design process involved careful consideration of proportions and construction methods, focusing on a streamlined aesthetic that aligned with contemporary automotive trends. The body was constructed using techniques that emphasized both lightness and strength, reflecting advancements in coachbuilding practices of the time.
Mechanically, the Fiat 500 Spider was equipped with a configuration that prioritized efficiency and maneuverability. While specific details of the engine are not provided, the vehicle was designed to offer a balance of performance suitable for urban environments. The chassis design facilitated a compact layout, enhancing its agility on narrow roads commonly found in Italian cities.
Production data indicates that the Fiat 500 Spider was part of a broader effort by Colli to capture the spirit of the era through innovative design and functionality. Surviving examples of this model are recorded in private collections and institutional archives, providing reference for researchers of postwar coachbuilding. The Fiat 500 C Barchetta Colli continues to serve as a significant case study in the evolution of automotive design, illustrating the collaborative efforts between manufacturers and coachbuilders in the mid-20th century.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production type
- Fuori-serie
- Production notes
- Migrate the 1949 Fiat 500 C Barchetta Colli identity; exact chassis and count remain open.
Engine & performance
- Engine configuration
- Inline-4
- Displacement
- 569 cc
- Power (CV)
- 16.5 CV
- Engine speed
- 4,400 rpm
- Transmission
- Manual 4-speed
- Drive
- Rear-wheel drive
- Specification notes
- Source-backed donor/model-level baseline for Fiat 500 C Topolino (1949–1955): Inline-4, 569 cc, 16.5 CV at 4400 rpm, 4-speed manual, rear-wheel drive. Coachbuilt-body dimensions, weight and maximum speed are intentionally not inherited.
Design & manufacture
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Fiat
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Colli
06 / EVENTS & AWARDS
Events & awards
No events or documented awards are currently recorded for this vehicle.
07 / THE VEHICLE IN DETAIL
Photo gallery 1 photographs
08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE
Archive
References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.
| Reference | Source type |
|---|---|
| Fiat 500 C Topolino — 1949–1955 specifications www.automobile-catalog.com | Specialist technical reference |











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