italiaspeed.com

30.10.2004 The iconic Fiat 500 has taken the first step towards an exemption from Italy's new anti-pollutions regulations, which would have seen the little car driven off the big city roads

The iconic Fiat 500 has taken the first step towards an exemption from Italy's forthcoming stringent new anti-pollutions laws, which would have seen the little car driven out of its spiritual home, the big cities of Italy.

Tough new regulations, currently being implemented across Italy, are seeking to drive the Fiat 500, which ceased production three decades ago, and other cars from its era, off the big city's roads.

However, an amendment tabled by an MP from the Northern Alliance and a counterpart from the Democrats, and has won all-party support. This motion aims to exempt all cars, over 25-years-old and under 1,000cc, from the new laws, citing these vehicles as being of historical significance, a move that would safeguard the legendary car's future.

The Fiat 500 holds a special place in the hearts of the Italian people. First introduced in 1957, it made motoring affordable to the masses for the first time. Cheap to buy, cheap to run, and easy to park, it became an indelible part of Italian city life.

The first 500, which featured 'suicide' doors, had a two-cylinder, 479cc, air-cooled engine that pumped out just 13bhp, an output that was hastily raised to 15bhp after sluggish early sales.

The second year of production saw the introduction of a 'Sport' version With its engine bored out to 499cc, it weighed in with 21.5bhp. This model claimed an amazing one-two-three-four finish in class at that year's Nuerburgring 12 hours, and a legend was born.

A stretched chassis estate model followed in 1960, and by the time production ceased in 1975, no less that 3,678,000 of the little cars had been built.

Despite sweeping government incentives in recent years, aimed at persuading Italian to buy new cars, more than half a million of these little icons are still pounding the big Italian city roads. With this amendment the car's future seems safeguarded.

The Fiat 500 holds a special place in the hearts of the Italian people. First introduced in 1957, it brought the joys of motoring to the Italian masses for the first time.

The Fiat 500 found admirers from all walks of life, impressed by its cheap price, small dimensions & low running costs. By the time production ceased in 1957, more than three and a half million had been built.

Despite production ceasing three decades ago, the Fiat 500 continues live on. This Abarth-tuned version is still an active competitor on the New Zealand racing scene. Photo: Thomson Motors Ltd.