Fiat 500F (no, that doesn’t stand for ‘faster’)

 
The first edition of the Fiat 500 was quite rapidly swapped for the new F, for a variety of different reasons, as teething troubles were finally overcome. This model would go on to become almost the definitive Fiat 500: as much a part of the Italian landscape in the 1960s as ice creams and lasagne. These cars are survivors: it’s still reasonably easy to find them now and they form the bulk of our car builds. Go to any Italian city today, and you’ll probably see an original 500F spluttering around before too long. 
 
Production
The 500F was launched in March 1965 to replace the D, and the F variant would go on to become the most-produced type of Fiat 500, all the way to August 1968. The modifications were mostly aesthetic: gone were the ‘suicide doors’ in place of more conventional openings (in accordance with new Italian legislation at the time, which for some reason thought that ‘suicide’ doors were dangerous). Other modifications included new seats, which were now a single colour instead of two-tone. The specification of the F changed slightly from year to year, and some of the F parts even made it onto early L models: the subsequent version.
 
Engine
Number and type of cylinders: two cylinder vertical in-line (rear mounted)
Bore and stroke: 67.4mm × 70mm
Total displacement: 499.5cm3
Power and RPM: 18hp at 4600rpm
Compression ratio: 7.1:1
Distribution: overhead valves, chain driven side camshaft
Ignition: battery and distributor
Electrical system: 12 volts with 32Ah battery
Power supply: inverted Weber 26 IMB 10 carburettor
Lubrication: pressure with gear pump, centrifugal oil filter
Cooling: forced circulation air
 
Transmission and brakes
Clutch: single dry disc
Gearbox: four-speed plus reverse
Bevel gear ratio: 8/41
Transmission: rear-driven wheels
Rear axle: with independent wheels
Wheels: disc without slots
Tyres: 125R12.
Shock absorbers: front and rear telescopic.
Suspensions: front, deformable wishbones, transversal leaf spring lower arms; rear, oblique triangulated wishbones, coil springs.
Brakes: hydraulic drum on four wheels.
 
CHASSIS
Chassis type: Integral with metal shell
Fully loaded weight: 840kg
Wheelbase: 1840mm
Tracks: front, 1121mm; rear, 1135mm
Height: 1325mm
Length: 2970mm
Width: 1320mm
Steering: screw and sector
 
Performance
Maximum speed: 95kph (59mph)
Fuel consumption: 5.5l/100km