From the time the Nuova 500 was launched in 1957, it has been wildly popular, as millions of Italians first took to the road behind the wheel of one of these diminutive Fiats during the period of economic recovery that defined post-war Italy.

The Nuova is a masterpiece of packaging, as the rear-wheel-drive, rear-engined layout provides an uncluttered cabin with plenty of room for four passengers, which is surprising considering the car is less than 10-feet long. When introduced, the little Fiat was powered by a twin-cylinder engine of 479 cubic centimetres and just 13 brake horsepower, but during its production life, the 500 was steadily developed. The 1965 introduction of the 500F came with front-hinged doors, an uprated engine, and a more durable driveshaft, differential, and clutch, making it sufficient enough for a maximum speed of approximately 60 mph yet also capable of delivering outstanding fuel economy.

This delightful Cinquecento was first registered in 1965 and has since been restored in Paris by Fiat specialists. In a concession to modernity, the car features a hidden modern sound system which can be controlled by a smartphone, helping pass the time should one get stuck in city traffic. The Fiat 500, in its size and construction, remains a particularly practical driver. Regardless of its simplicity, however, it has always been a staple of Italian culture and big city living, and with the introduction of Fiat’s revived 500 in 2007, the original has solidified its position as a true classic.