SPOT.
Photo of a Fiat 500

Fiat 500

The 1957 500: 13 hp, two cylinders, a nation on wheels.12

Researched October 23, 2026 from 34 sources

Also called

  • CinquecentoItalian for 500; used for both the classic and the revived car.34
  • cinquinoAn affectionate Italian name for the 500.5
  • BambinaThe New Zealand-market 500 D's name means baby in Italian.1
  • BambinoA nickname for Dante Giacosa's original 1957 500.6

At a glance

0100200
13–187 hpPower
01020
6.7–17.3 s0–100 km/h
0125250
85–225 km/hTop speed
0150300
27–235 N·mTorque
07501,500
499–1,410 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.1249101213

Engine
Classic: 479–689.5cc twins; modern: 0.9–1.4 L gas/diesel, hybrids and EVs169
Layout
Classic: rear-engine/RWD; 2007: front-engine/FWD1
Gearbox
Classic: unsynchronized 4-speed; modern: 5/6-speed manual/auto; 2013 EV: 1-speed1611
Built at
1957 Turin, Italy; 2007 gen Tychy, Poland/Toluca, Mexico; 2020 Mirafiori, Italy169
Units built
Classic: 3,893,294; revival: 2.5 million by March 202116

The story

Built to put Italy on four wheels, the 1957 Nuova 500 fitted four people into 2.97 meters. The 2007 revival reinterpreted that shape with a front-mounted engine and front-wheel drive.147

1957: July debut with a 479cc twin19571958: The 499cc Sport brings 21 hp19581975: Original 500 production ends19752004: Trepiùno's three-plus-one blueprint20042007: 50 years on, 250,000 at the debut20072012: 2012-model-year US comeback20122013: California gets the 111 hp 500e20132020: New 500e: up to 320 km WLTP20202025: Petrol returns inside the 500e body2025 Fiat 500 "Topolino": 1936–1955Fiat 500 (Nuova 500): 1957–1975Fiat 126: 1972–2000Fiat 126Fiat Cinquecento (170): 1991–1998170Fiat Seicento / 600 (187): 1997–2010187Fiat 500 (2007 revival) (312): 2007–2025312Fiat 500e / 500 Hybrid (332): 2020–present332 194019501960197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones16920212223
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1936–1955Fiat 500 "Topolino"
1957–1975Fiat 500 (Nuova 500)
1972–2000Fiat 126
1991–1998Fiat Cinquecento (170)
1997–2010Fiat Seicento / 600 (187)
2007–2025Fiat 500 (2007 revival) (312)
2020–presentFiat 500e / 500 Hybrid (332)
1957July debut with a 479cc twin
1958The 499cc Sport brings 21 hp
1975Original 500 production ends
2004Trepiùno's three-plus-one blueprint
200750 years on, 250,000 at the debut
20122012-model-year US comeback
2013California gets the 111 hp 500e
2020New 500e: up to 320 km WLTP
2025Petrol returns inside the 500e body
  1. 1957

    July debut with a 479cc twin

    The Nuova 500 brings inexpensive motoring in a 2.97-meter package, with a rear-mounted air-cooled twin producing 13 hp and 27 Nm.14

  2. 1958

    The 499cc Sport brings 21 hp

    A bigger 499cc engine gives the Sport 21 hp and 30 Nm, while a solid roof and white paint with a red side stripe set it apart.14

  3. 1975

    Original 500 production ends

    Production of the original ends after nearly four million cars. Its final R version uses a 594cc engine with 18 hp and 37 Nm.14

  4. 2004

    Trepiùno's three-plus-one blueprint

    Roberto Giolito's concept seats three adults and a child; Frank Stephenson develops its design into the 2007 production 500.6

  5. 2007

    50 years on, 250,000 at the debut

    Fiat unveils the revival on July 4 before 250,000 people. Inspired by the 1957 car, it wins the 2008 European Car of the Year award.16

  6. 2012

    2012-model-year US comeback

    The 500 becomes Fiat's first new US offering since 1984. The 1.4-liter four makes 101 hp, while the 2012 Abarth delivers 160 hp.38

  7. 2013

    California gets the 111 hp 500e

    The US compliance EV packs a 24 kWh battery and 140 km EPA range, with 6.6 kW AC charging and no factory DC fast charging.6

  8. 2020

    New 500e: up to 320 km WLTP

    An all-new 500e offers 24 kWh/94 hp or 42 kWh/117 hp. Range reaches 320 km WLTP; the bigger battery accepts 85 kW DC charging.9

  9. 2025

    Petrol returns inside the 500e body

    November production puts a 64 hp, 92 Nm 1.0-liter mild hybrid and six-speed manual into the 500e body; right-hand-drive cars are due in Q2 2026.910

Every generation

  • Fiat 500 "Topolino"
    Fiat 500 "Topolino"1936–1955
  • Fiat 500 (Nuova 500)
    Fiat 500 (Nuova 500)1957–1975
  • Fiat 126
    Fiat 1261972–2000
  • Fiat Cinquecento
    1701991–1998
  • Fiat Seicento / 600
    1871997–2010
  • Fiat 500 (2007 revival)
    3122007–2025
  • Fiat 500e / 500 Hybrid
    3322020–present

Power over the years

From 13 hp to 117 hp in 63 years.

050100150 1960197019801990200020102020 hp 1957 · 13 hp · Nuova 500, 479cc1958 · 21 hp · Nuova 500 Sport, 499cc1972 · 18 hp · 500 R, 594cc2007 · 69 hp · 1.2 L FIRE at launch2008 · 75 hp · 1.3 L MultiJet at UK launch2008 · 100 hp · 1.4 L petrol at UK launch2010 · 84 hp · TwinAir turbo twin, MultiAir valves2010 · 95 hp · 1.3 L diesel upgrade2013 · 111 hp · US 500e, 24 kWh2020 · 70 hp · 1.0 L three-cylinder mild hybrid2020 · 117 hp · New-generation 500e, 42 kWh2026 · 64 hp · 500 Hybrid, 1.0 L petrol 117 hp New-generation 500e, 42 kWh 13 hp Nuova 500, 479cc
146910141516
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
195713Nuova 500, 479cc
195821Nuova 500 Sport, 499cc
197218500 R, 594cc
2007691.2 L FIRE at launch
2008751.3 L MultiJet at UK launch
20081001.4 L petrol at UK launch
201084TwinAir turbo twin, MultiAir valves
2010951.3 L diesel upgrade
2013111US 500e, 24 kWh
2020701.0 L three-cylinder mild hybrid
2020117New-generation 500e, 42 kWh
202664500 Hybrid, 1.0 L petrol

Versions

9 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • 500 Sport (US)

    Standard

    500 Sport (US)

    2012

    101 hp
  • Nuova 500 N / Sport / D

    Standard

    Nuova 500 N / Sport / D

    1957–1965

  • Standard

    500 F / L / R

    1965–1975

  • Standard

    500e Action / Passion / Icon / RED / La Prima

    2020–present

  • Abarth 500 / 595 / 695

    Performance

    Abarth 500 / 595 / 695

    2008–2024

  • 500 by Gucci / Riva / Vintage 57

    Special

    500 by Gucci / Riva / Vintage 57

  • Limited

    Abarth 500e Scorpionissima

    2023 launch

    153 hp
  • Abarth 595 / 595 SS / 695 SS

    Performance

    Abarth 595 / 595 SS / 695 SS

  • 500 Jolly by Ghia

    Special

    500 Jolly by Ghia

How to spot one

Look for

  • Classic 500: a sub-3 m two-door body, usually with a folding roof.7
  • 2007-generation hatchback: a small spoiler sits at the top of the rear hatch.6
  • 500C: a retractable cloth roof between fixed door frames, pillars and side windows.6
  • Electric 3+1: a small rear-hinged passenger-side door provides access to the back seat.9
  • Classic America: prominent frog-eye headlights and larger bumpers with overriders.118

Year by year

  1. 1960: 500 D

    The standard folding roof becomes shorter than the Nuova's; rear-hinged doors remain.1

  2. 1965: 500 F

    Front-hinged doors and a larger windshield mark the revised body.7

  3. 1968: 500 L

    Tubular bumper guards, redesigned hubcaps and bright trim around the windshield and rear window distinguish the luxury version.1

  4. 1972–1975: 500 R

    The final version wears less chrome than the F.17

  5. 2015 / 2016 model year

    Europe gains LED running lights, slanted headlamps, a larger trapezoid grille and new tail-lights; fog/reverse lamps move down, and U-Connect arrives.619

  6. 2025–2026: 500 Hybrid

    The petrol version of the 500e body gets a slot grille and rear Hybrid badge, with the tailpipe hidden behind the bumper.910

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Fiat 500
    500
    Photo of a Fiat 600
    Fiat 600

    Fiat 600

    The classic 500 is the smaller sibling: 245 mm shorter than the 600, with a body just 2,970 mm long.1

Against its rivals

  • Fiat Panda 100HP

    500 vs Fiat Panda 100HP

    Approx. UK price lower is better

    50013,000 £
    Fiat Panda 100HP11,005 £
    16
  • MINI John Cooper Works (2012)

    500 vs MINI John Cooper Works (2012)

    Price as tested lower is better

    500$25,050
    MINI John Cooper Works (2012)$32,600
    8

Prices

Value today $7.8K–$38.5K1828

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$10K$20K$30K$40K 201520202025 Value today: $7,800–$38,500 2012 · $16,200 · US base2012 · $18,000 · US base, Sport2012 · $19,100 · US tested, Sport2012 · $22,700 · US base, Abarth2012 · $25,050 · US tested, Abarth2013 · $32,500 · US base, 500e2013 · $32,995 · US tested, 500e 2012 · $16,200 · US modern 500 base price, 2012 model year 2012 · $23,100 · 1970 500, restored, Hershey2025 · $19,500 · 1960 500, 29k miles shown, BaT2026 · $38,500 · 1960 500 America, 36k miles shown, refurbished, BaT2026 · $7,800 · 2016 Abarth 5-speed, 85k miles, faults, BaT2026 · $17,500 · 2019 500 Abarth 5-speed, 32k miles, BaT2026 · $9,500 · 1969 500L, ~46k miles shown, BaT2026 · $5,500 · 2015 500e, 33k miles, BaT $38.5K BaT, 2026
3681118282930323334
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2012Launch price$16,200US modern 500 base price, 2012 model year
2012Price when new$16,200US base
2012Price when new$18,000US base, Sport
2012Price when new$19,100US tested, Sport
2012Price when new$22,700US base, Abarth
2012Price when new$25,050US tested, Abarth
2013Price when new$32,500US base, 500e
2013Price when new$32,995US tested, 500e
2012Auction sale$23,1001970 500, restored, Hershey
2025Auction sale$19,5001960 500, 29k miles shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$38,5001960 500 America, 36k miles shown, refurbished, BaT
2026Auction sale$7,8002016 Abarth 5-speed, 85k miles, faults, BaT
2026Auction sale$17,5002019 500 Abarth 5-speed, 32k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$9,5001969 500L, ~46k miles shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$5,5002015 500e, 33k miles, BaT
2026Value today$7,800–$38,500

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 9 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “18,186 km in seven days and nights”
    • “Winrow takes the first British Trofeo crown”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 7 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 34 sources
  1. Fiat 500 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. Used Abarth 500 (2009-2024) buyer’s guide: fast and fun if you can find the right one | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  3. 2012 Fiat 500 Sport Long-Term Road Test caranddriver.com
  4. 1957-1976 Fiat 500 buying guide from Magneto magazine: The original Italian people's car - Magneto magnetomagazine.com
  5. La 500 di Lupin III - Fiat 500 Club Italia - sito ufficiale 500clubitalia.it
  6. Fiat 500 (2007) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  7. Buying advice Fiat 500 limora.com
  8. 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth vs. Mini John Cooper Works caranddriver.com
  9. Fiat 500e - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  10. New Fiat 500 Hybrid 2026 review: the perfect EV alternative, if it was a bit quicker | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  11. 2013 Fiat 500E EV Test: A Small Shocker caranddriver.com
  12. The Fiat 500 Has Many – Many – Special Editions - AutomoBible automobible.com
  13. Fiat Nuova 500...The Abarths fiat500usa.com
  14. Fiat 500 - the history of Italy's greatest car | CompleteCar.ie completecar.ie
  15. Used Fiat 500 (2008-date) buyer’s guide: stylish city car is cheap and cheerful | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  16. Fiat 500 TwinAir review | evo evo.co.uk
  17. 1971 Fiat 500 Jolly Conversion | The Monaco Auction 2026 | RM Sotheby's rmsothebys.com
  18. 46-Years-Owned 1960 Fiat 500 America for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $38,500 on March 18, 2026 (Lot #233,942) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  19. 2015 Fiat 500 revealed - carsales.com.au carsales.com.au
  20. Fiat 500 "Topolino" - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  21. Dante Giacosa - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  22. Fiat Cinquecento - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  23. Fiat Seicento - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  24. Cars — Pixar Animation Studios pixar.com
  25. Cars 3 — Pixar Animation Studios pixar.com
  26. 2010 Trofeo Abarth 500 GB season - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  27. Gran Turismo 6 - List of featured cars gran-turismo.com
  28. No Reserve: 2016 Fiat 500 Abarth 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $7,800 on September 15, 2026 (Lot #263,092) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. 1970 Fiat 500 | Hershey 2012 | RM Sotheby's rmsothebys.com
  30. No Reserve: 33k-Mile 2015 Fiat 500e for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $5,500 on May 7, 2026 (Lot #241,473) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. 2024 FIAT 500e Price, Value, Ratings & Reviews | Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
  32. 32k-Mile 2019 Fiat 500 Abarth 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $17,500 on August 24, 2026 (Lot #259,352) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. 1969 Fiat 500L for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $9,500 on July 13, 2026 (Lot #252,077) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. 1960 Fiat 500 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $19,500 on November 2, 2025 (Lot #217,814) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • caranddriver.com
  • magnetomagazine.com
  • 500clubitalia.it
  • limora.com
  • automobible.com
  • fiat500usa.com
  • completecar.ie
  • evo.co.uk
  • rmsothebys.com
  • bringatrailer.com
  • carsales.com.au
  • pixar.com

Photo credits

Other car files