Positioning:
Iconic city car, appreciated for its unique design and compact size, appealing to enthusiasts and those seeking simple, affordable transportation.
Competitors:
BMC Mini, Volkswagen Beetle (though generally larger and more powerful).
Design:
Distinctive 'Biscione' (snake) styling, rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, small dimensions for urban maneuverability.
Target Audience:
Classic car enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, owners seeking to maintain and preserve their vintage Fiat 500.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive service, repair, and maintenance
Specific Sections:
General Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Engine, Transmission, Brakes, Wiring Diagrams, Electrical System, Suspension, Lubrication, Steering, Cooling, Fuel System, Emission System, Engine Control, Chassis/Body, Restraint System, Axles
Estimated Page Count:
Refer to download for exact count (typically 200-500 pages for comprehensive manuals)
Type:
Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine overhaul, tuning, cooling system service, fuel system diagnosis and repair (carburetor), exhaust system.
Drivetrain:
Transmission service and repair (manual gearbox), clutch operation and adjustment, driveshafts, differential.
Chassis:
Suspension geometry, shock absorber replacement, steering system components (rack and pinion, linkage), wheel bearings, brake system overhaul (drum brakes, hydraulic lines), chassis lubrication points.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, battery system, charging system (generator), ignition system (distributor, coil, plugs), lighting system, starter motor, instrumentation, troubleshooting electrical faults.
Body:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, window operation, interior trim, body shell structural integrity.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid level checks and changes, filter replacements, tune-up procedures, lubrication schedules.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement, overhaul, and adjustment for all major vehicle systems.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and common problem identification for engine performance, electrical issues, braking, and starting problems.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic checks and routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (for potential archive unpacking)
Quality:
Digital Download - Quality dependent on source scan, generally high for official or well-scanned manuals.
Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, two-cylinder, overhead-valve (OHV)
Displacement:
479 cc (0.5 L)
Bore X Stroke:
67 mm x 70 mm
Compression Ratio:
Approx. 6.4:1 to 7.0:1 (depending on variant)
Horsepower:
Approx. 13-17 hp (gross) at 4000-4400 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 23-27 Nm (17-20 lb-ft) at 2500-3000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Single Solex or Weber downdraft carburetor (e.g., Solex 26-27 or similar)
Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded Gasoline (lead additive often recommended for older engines)
Type:
Air-cooled, forced ventilation via fan
Oil Type:
SAE 30 or SAE 10W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity and API rating for the period)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.5 - 3.0 Liters (2.6 - 3.2 Quarts)
Length:
Approx. 2970 mm (117 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1320 mm (52 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1300 mm (51 inches)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1840 mm (72.4 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 370-400 kg (816-882 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 690-710 kg (1520-1565 lbs)
Front Tire Size:
4.00-12 or 4.80-12
Rear Tire Size:
4.00-12 or 4.80-12
Crash Test Data:
No formal crash test data available for this era and model, as standards were minimal.
Braking System:
Hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels.
Seatbelts:
Not standard equipment in 1958, often an aftermarket addition.
Body Structure:
Monocoque chassis construction providing some integral strength.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 km (approx. 2,000-3,000 miles) or 6 months.
Ignition Tune Up:
Every 5,000-10,000 km (approx. 3,000-6,000 miles) - includes spark plug gap, timing, dwell angle.
Valve Adjustment:
Every 10,000 km (approx. 6,000 miles).
Brake Adjustment:
As needed, typically inspected during oil changes or tune-ups.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific type required for the period)
Coolant:
Not applicable (air-cooled engine)
Engine:
Oil leaks from pushrod tubes and oil cooler; carburetor issues (fuel starvation, erratic idling); overheating in hot climates due to air-cooling limitations.
Chassis:
Rust perforation, especially on floor pans and sills; front suspension wear; brake drum adjustment often needed.
Electrical:
Wiring degradation over time; generator output issues; starter solenoid problems.
Brand Origin:
Founded in Turin, Italy, by Giovanni Agnelli in 1899. Known for small, affordable, and stylish cars.
Key Developments 1958:
Early production models, primarily the '500' designation. Later models introduced significant upgrades like the 500D, 500F, etc.
Original Designation:
Nuova 500 (New 500)
Production Period:
1957-1975 (for the original Nuova 500 platform)
Manufacturing Locations:
Turin, Italy
