Fantasy Junction

Description

1939 Fiat-NSU 500 “Topolino” Weinsberg Roadster
s/n 074513
Cream with Red Interior

The Fiat 500, colloquially known as the “Topolino” (literally translated as “small mouse” but also the Italian translation of “Mickey Mouse”), was to Italy what the Volkswagen Beetle was to Germany, and the Citroen 2CV was to France. Inexpensive, simple, economical, and robust, the cars competed not with other cars, but with tractors, horses, and two-wheeled vehicles. They sold extremely well, with large numbers built, but only a few hundred of this particular model. Most examples were sold in Italy because the high import duties in other countries, and to skirt this issue, NSU built a licensed version of the Topolino in Germany. Approximately 7000 of these NSU-Fiats were built, of which the most expensive variant was this Weinsberg roadster model. Fewer than 500 were built, and they bear more than a passing resemblance to a scaled down BMW 327 or 328.

This particular car is a charming restored example, and was previously part of the Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum. It would make an ideal downtown runabout, novelty, or characterful estate car. It was restored to very good standards. The paint is on the thick side but would color sand nicely. The car is otherwise cosmetically outstanding, with excellent metal trim, lamps, and chrome. The unusual NSU/Fiat badging is intact and in great shape, and the glass and Bosch headlamps (which look like scaled down 540K items) are in excellent shape as well.

The interior is very nice, with excellent upholstery done to high standards. The instruments and switches are in great shape, as are the carpets. The steering wheel has a few very small hairline cracks but is otherwise excellent. The convertible top is a nice canvas item with boot, and the rear storage area is a surprisingly large nicely upholstered space accessed behind the seats.

The engine compartment is tidy and compact with light soiling only, and would respond well to a thorough cleaning. The car runs and drives nicely, and is reasonably quick, being noticeably faster than a Citroen 2CV. The lower gear ratios are closely spaced for the best acceleration, while the fourth gear ratio is quite tall to facilitate reasonable cruising.

This is an extremely rare and adorable little roadster. Nicely restored, it operates very well and attracts lots of positive attention wherever it goes. It is the perfect antidote to the jaded crowd at prestigious concours events and is also enjoyable to drive.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608