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1961 Fiat 500 K Giardiniera

Based on the standard version of the Fiat 500, the Giardiniera benefited from front quarterlights, winding windows in the doors and sliding windows in the rear.

In addition, the sunroof folded back three-quarters of the roof length.

The problem of providing a flat loading platform was overcome by using a 499.5cc motor, turning it on its side and laying it under the rear floor.

The engine relied on air collected from grilles on the body sides for cooling, the grilles were mounted as high as possible to reduce road dust being drawn into the engine compartment and also to keep engine noise down.

It retained it's "suicide doors" throughout production even when the later saloon cars were built with front-hinged doors.

A commercial version was also built and marketed, but under the Autobianchi brand.

Manufacturer: Fiat S. P. A. Turin Italy

Model: 500 K (Kombi) Motor: Fiat Body: Steel
Years Built: Aug. 1960 – Feb. 1965 No. Cylinders: 2 Chassis: None
No. Produced: ~ 120,000 Displacement: 499.5 cc Suspension Front: Leaf
No. Surviving: N/A Horsepower: 17.5 Suspension Rear: Coil
Length: 3185 mm Gearbox: 4 + rev Steering: Worm & Sector
Width: 1323 mm Starter: Motor Brakes: Hydraulic
Weight: 555 kg Electrics: 12 v 4 Wheels: 125 x 12"
Interior: 4 seats Ignition: Coil Top Speed: 95 km/h

© 2002