Vehicle Segment:
Microcar, City Car
Target Market:
Affordable, economical urban transportation, enthusiasts
Key Competitors Era:
Citroën 2CV, Volkswagen Beetle (though larger), NSU Prinz
Design Philosophy:
Simplicity, efficiency, compact size, rear-engine, rear-wheel drive
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians with professional-level repair and maintenance knowledge for long-term ownership and preservation.
Primary Focus:
Repair, Maintenance, Restoration, Refurbishment
Target Audience:
Professional Technicians, DIY Mechanics
Estimated Count:
Not specified, described as 'very detailed'
Type:
Full Service Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, carburetor, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump, carburetor adjustment and overhaul
Transmission:
Manual gearbox overhaul, clutch, drive shafts
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, starter motor, alternator, battery, lighting system, instrumentation
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, brake drums, brake shoes, master cylinder, wheel cylinders
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, steering linkage
Steering:
Steering box, steering column, tie rods, steering wheel
Bodywork:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, upholstery, glass replacement
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, lubrication, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems
Rebuild:
Detailed procedures for rebuilding engine, gearbox, and other major assemblies
Refurbishment Restoration:
Guidance for bringing the vehicle back to original or improved condition
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic adjustments to full engine rebuilds
Diagnostic Level:
Advanced diagnostic procedures and fault finding
Compatibility:
All Windows and Mac OS versions
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinRAR
Printability:
Full Printable
Layout Features:
Numbered instructions, bold figure numbers, enlarged insets
Binding:
Not applicable (Digital Download)
Paper Quality:
Not applicable (Digital Download)
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, OHV, inline-twin cylinder
Displacement:
499.5 cc (30.5 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
67.4 mm x 70 mm (2.65 in x 2.76 in)
Compression Ratio:
7.0:1 (typical for the era)
Horsepower:
17-22 hp (SAE Gross) depending on exact variant (e.g., 17hp for Nuova 500 N, 18hp for Nuova 500 D, 22hp for Nuova 500 F)
Torque:
3.3-3.7 kgm (23.8-26.7 lb-ft) at approx. 3200 rpm
Carburetor:
Solex 26CFR (or similar Solex model), downdraft
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (may require lead additive or hardened valve seats for older engines)
Ignition Type:
Distributor-based, coil ignition
Transmission Type:
4-speed manual transaxle (all synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd, 4th)
Optional Gearbox:
None typically offered for this specific year and model variant in the context of a standard manual.
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, diaphragm spring
Length:
Approx. 2970 mm (116.9 in)
Width:
Approx. 1300 mm (51.2 in)
Height:
Approx. 1320 mm (52.0 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1840 mm (72.4 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 470-530 kg (1036-1168 lbs)
Crash Test Ratings:
Not applicable or comparable to modern standards; designed for a different era of safety expectations.
Active Safety:
Basic braking system, steering
Passive Safety:
Minimal structural safety; no airbags or seatbelts as standard in all early models, though later models may have offered them as options.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 km (1,800-3,000 miles) or annually
Tune Up:
Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles)
Valve Adjustment:
Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or 10W-30, API SG or higher (check manual for specific recommendations regarding additives for older engines)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.5 liters (2.6 US quarts)
Gearbox Oil Type:
GL-4 80W-90 gear oil
Gearbox Oil Capacity:
Approx. 1.5 liters (1.6 US quarts)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specifics; ensure compatibility with seals)
Coolant:
N/A (Air-cooled engine)
Common Problems:
Rust (especially floor pans, sills, wheel arches), carburetor icing (in cold climates), clutch wear, weak synchros in gearbox, electrical gremlins, overheating if cooling shrouds are damaged or fins are clogged.
Manufacturer Origin:
Italy
Brand Reputation:
Known for small, economical, and stylish cars.
Original Introduction:
1957 (Nuova 500)
1969 Variant Context:
The 1969 model year typically falls within the 'Nuova 500 F' (1965-1972) or 'Nuova 500 L' (1968-1972) designations. The 'F' model is a significant evolution from earlier versions, featuring suicide doors. The 'L' added more luxury touches.
Production Years Overall:
1957-1975
Production Location:
Turin, Italy (primary); licensed production in other countries
