Fiat 500 (Nuova / Cinquecento): Hire Guide
The Fiat 500 'Nuova' (1957–1975) is the smallest, most photogenic, and most distinctly Italian classic on the platform. A rear-engined two-cylinder town car designed for Italy's post-war reconstruction. The default wedding and lifestyle car of Rome, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast.
At a glance
The Fiat 500 'Nuova' (1957–1975) is the smallest, most photogenic, and most distinctly Italian classic on the platform. A rear-engined two-cylinder town car designed for Italy's post-war reconstruction. The default wedding and lifestyle car of Rome, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast.
Specifications
1957–1975
- Years produced
- 1957–1975
- Engine
- 479 / 499 / 594 cc air-cooled inline-twin
- Power
- 13 to 23 bhp
- Drivetrain
- Rear engine, rear-wheel drive, 4-speed unsynchronised (or synchro on R)
- Variants
- Nuova, D, F, L (Lusso), R (Rinnovata), Giardiniera (estate)
- Length
- 2.97 m
What it's like to drive
Charming and very slow. The two-cylinder engine settles into a putter at 50 km/h and protests above 80 km/h. The folding canvas roof and tiny dimensions make it perfect for narrow Italian alleys and for being photographed.
What occasions it suits
Italian weddings, fashion shoots, hen and stag city tours, anniversary gifts. Not appropriate for motorway use or for tall passengers over long distances.
Cultural appearances
- Featured in countless Italian films and tourism campaigns; a permanent fixture in MoMA's design collection.
- Often called the 'Cinquecento' or 'Bambino' in everyday Italian.
What occasions it suits
- Italian city weddings (Rome, Florence, Naples)
- Fashion and lifestyle photo shoots
- Small-group sightseeing tours
Live Fiat 500 (Nuova / Cinquecento) listings
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to hire a classic Fiat 500?
- Day rates run €120–€280 across Italy and slightly more in northern Europe.
- Is it safe in modern traffic?
- On urban and rural roads at sensible speeds, yes. We don't recommend motorway use; most owners restrict the cars to ≤80 km/h roads.
Related models
Use cases
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Last reviewed 2026-05-14