🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Fiat

Model:

500

Model Generation:

Original (Nuova 500)

Years Covered:

1957-1973

Chassis Codes:

110, 110D, 110F, 120, 210, 230, 230B, 230D, 230F, 230P

Engine Codes:

110.000, 110.002, 120.000, 210.000, 230.000

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Essential resource for owners and enthusiasts of the iconic Fiat 500 (Nuova 500), facilitating maintenance and restoration efforts.

Value Proposition:

Provides the same expert-level information used by professionals, offering cost-effective solutions for repairs and maintenance compared to dealership services.

Features:

Instant download access, printable pages for on-site use, satisfaction guarantee, extensive coverage of all major systems.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Comprehensive service and repair for the Fiat 500 (Nuova 500) models from 1957 to 1973.

Pages:

Estimated 250-400 pages (typical for manuals of this era and scope)

Type:

Service Repair Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English (Likely translated from original Italian or European service literature)

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine overhaul, tuning, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system (carburetor), exhaust system.

Transmission:

Manual gearbox service, clutch replacement, driveshafts, differential.

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, drum brake overhaul, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake fluid specifications.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, steering linkage, wheel alignment.

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, ignition system, charging system (dynamo/alternator), lighting, starter motor, battery.

Bodywork:

Body panel repair, door mechanisms, hinges, trim, interior components.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, lubrication points.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation.

Overhaul:

Detailed procedures for complete engine and gearbox overhauls.

Depth:

In-depth technical information suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics, covering diagnostics, repair, and rebuilding.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

Searchable PDF, allowing for quick text-based information retrieval.

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory manuals, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, two-cylinder, overhead valve (OHV)

Displacement Early:

479 cc (0.48 L)

Displacement Later:

499.5 cc (0.50 L), 594 cc (0.60 L) for Sport/Abarth variants

Horsepower Early:

13-15 hp (approx.)

Horsepower Later:

17-22 hp (approx. for standard models), up to 30+ hp for performance variants

Torque Early:

27 Nm (approx.)

Torque Later:

30-37 Nm (approx.)

Carburetor:

Solex 26-35 or Weber 26-28 carburetors (specific model dependent)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (modern equivalent, originally leaded petrol)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed manual synchromesh (later models often featured synchromesh on all gears)

Options:

Some later models or specific trims might have had variations or improvements, but primarily manual.

Clutch:

Single dry plate clutch

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2,970 mm (117 in)

Width:

Approx. 1,320 mm (52 in)

Height:

Approx. 1,300 mm (51 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 1,840 mm (72.4 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 400-450 kg (880-990 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Testing:

As per 1950s/60s standards, limited safety features by modern comparison. No formal ratings exist in contemporary terms.

Features:

Basic braking system.

Features:

Minimal passive safety features; emphasis on lightweight construction. Seatbelts were often optional or not fitted initially.

💡 Technology Features

Features:

Basic dashboard with speedometer, fuel gauge, and warning lights. Radio was an optional extra on some models.

Features:

N/A - vehicle design predates modern driver assistance systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,000 - 5,000 km (1,800 - 3,000 miles), depending on usage and oil type.

Tune Up:

Regular checks of ignition timing, spark plugs, carburetor adjustment, and valve clearances.

Engine Oil:

SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (specific recommendation may vary based on ambient temperature; check manual for precise grades)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.

Gearbox Oil:

SAE 80W-90 hypoid gear oil.

Coolant:

Not applicable (air-cooled engine).

Engine:

Oil leaks from seals and gaskets, carburetor gumming, ignition system wear, potential for overheating in heavy traffic if cooling shrouds are not clean.

Transmission:

Wear in synchromesh rings, clutch wear, oil leaks from gearbox seals.

Brakes:

Seized wheel cylinders, worn brake shoes, leaks in the hydraulic system, drum corrosion.

Electrical:

Corroded wiring, dynamo or regulator issues, starter motor wear.

Bodywork:

Rust, particularly in floor pans, sills, and wheel arches; door mechanism wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Fiat has a long history of producing small, affordable, and innovative vehicles for the mass market.

Evolution:

The 'Nuova 500' replaced the original 500 'Topolino'. It evolved from a basic 479cc model to more powerful versions like the 500D, 500F, 500L, and 500R, with incremental updates to styling, engines, and features over its production run.

Production Period:

1957-1975 (though this manual covers up to 1973 models, the platform continued slightly longer)

Manufacturing Location:

Turin, Italy (Primary), with licensed production in other countries.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Cultural Impact:

Iconic status as a symbol of Italian design and affordable motoring, widely recognized for its charming aesthetics and practicality.

User Satisfaction:

Highly regarded by enthusiasts for its simplicity, ease of maintenance, and endearing character.

Technical Literature:

This manual functions as a certification of the technical specifications and repair procedures as defined by Fiat for this model.