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Oozing Italian Dolce Vita charm, the diminutive Fiat 500 was a big hit throughout Europe when it first launched in 1957. And that popularity has endured until the present today.

For those looking for an antidote to hectic modern life you can’t get better than a ride in a Fiat 500 Cinquecento. With a mere 17bhp under the hood, the originals are unlikely to get you anywhere fast but with the amount of smiles they raise along the way you won’t want to. Cheap to run, comparatively easy to maintain and bursting with cheeky character they’re a fun and popular investment for classic car enthusiasts.

Whenever a Fiat 500 is parked up, passers-by love stopping for a photo and asking about these cool cars. So we’ve put together 20 fascinating facts about the Fiat 500 just in case you’re ever stuck for something to say.

And if you’re interested in adding one of these cute classics to your collection, don’t forget to invest in classic car insurance at the same time. The specialists at Lancaster can help you find just the right cover for your motor.

1. Fiat has been owned by the same family for the whole of its history

Fiat was originally founded back in 1899 by a group of investors led by Giovanni Agnelli. Throughout its eventful history, the company has remained in the control of the Agnelli family. Indeed the Fiat group and the family have managed to gain control of many Italian car manufacturers during that time, including Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Lancia and Maserati.

While Fiat is an acronym of the company’s original name – Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino – it also means “let it be done” in Latin.

2. The Fiat 500 wasn’t the first car to bear the name

The original Fiat 500, commonly known as the Topolino, was also a city car but had a more classically styled pre-war design. It was produced and manufactured by Fiat in Turin from 1936 to 1955. Topolino is an Italian name and translates as ‘little mouse’.

3. It didn’t live up to its name at first

The Cinquecento model entered production in 1957 to replace the Topolino. Cinquecento itself means 500 in Italian and referred to the 500cc nominal displacement of its two-cylinder engine. However, the actual displacement was really 479cc. The engines in the first versions from the 1950s produced just 13bhp. The engine was upgraded to a 499cc engine producing 17bhp in the 1960s.

4. It was the brainchild of one of the greatest light car designers of all time

Born in Rome in 1905, policeman’s son Dante Giacosa designed a huge range of cars during his career from minicars to sportscars. Joining Fiat in 1926 after studying engineering in Turin, he was the leading design engineer at the company from 1946 until his retirement in 1970. He was effectively head of all Fiat car projects during that time. In 1959 he received the prestigious Italian industrial design award the Compasso d’Oro for his work on the Fiat 500. The first time it was awarded to a car designer.

5. Fiat produced sport, luxury, estate and even panel van versions

When you’ve hit upon such a popular design it seems only natural to produce lots of other versions. In mid-1958, Fiat introduced a ‘Sport’ version of the popular car with a 21.5bhp engine and a full metal rigid roof (rather than the fold-back canvas top of previous models). It also came in a now iconic two-tone livery colour scheme of cream, with red stripes down the flanks.

That was followed in 1960 by the Giardiniera. This estate version stayed in production until 1977 under Fiat subsidiary Autobianchi. A total of 327,000 were produced. A panel van variant called the Furgoncino was also produced based on the Giardiniera.

But if luxury is more your cup of tea then look out for the 500 L, or Lusso. The Lusso arrived in 1967 and offered a modestly upgraded interior – for example, the dashboard was covered in black plastic rather than bare painted metal. On the outside, the Lusso is easily distinguished by front and rear bumper guards.

With the number of versions available, the Fiat 500 is popular at classic car shows. If you enjoy mixing with other enthusiasts then classic car insurance with Lancaster will cover you for both static shows and historic rallies.

6. A souped-up version is available if you can find one

With its distinctive scorpion logo, the Italian road and racing car maker Abarth has a long history of working with Fiat. Indeed, Abarth produced several souped-up versions of the 500, perhaps the most famous being the 695 SS in 1966.

Aesthetically the cars were very similar, the main differences being flared wheel arches and a raised engine cover. However, like all Abarths, the differences are found in the mechanical upgrades that helped to increase its top speed to around 140km/h (87mph).

Around 1,000 Fiat Abarth 695 SS were produced but only 150 are believed to still exist. Genuine Abarths are really rare and expensive, although there are a few replicas around.

7. They had their own Soviet imitators

Imitation is indeed the sincerest form of flattery and clearly the Italian style was something Soviet car designers of the time wished to emulate. Indeed, with a quick glance it’s easy to mistake the general styling of the Soviet ZAZ 965 for Fiat’s Cinquecento. The ZAZ, however, shared no parts with the 500 and rarely competed with it on the market.

8. Look out for the beach car version

Many licensed versions of the Fiat 500 were produced such as the Puch 500 by Austrian car maker Steyr-Puch. However, our favourite is undoubtedly the Jolly. This beach car version was produced by fellow Italian car maker Ghia. This wicker-seated open version truly symbolises the Dolce Vita ethos of the 1960s. Restored examples of these low production cars are rare and now quite valuable. If you spot one at one of the major car auctions then be sure to take a good look.

9. Some Fiat 500s have so-called suicide doors

Many early Fiat 500's feature suicide doors. These doors are hinged at the rear and their unfortunate name is down to the fact they are perceived to be more dangerous. These were replaced by conventional doors in 1965.

10. They produced a lot

A total of 3,893,294 examples of the 500 were built during its 18-year production run. So, you should be able to bag yourself an affordable one if you’re looking for a cute classic daily driver.

11. The Fiat 500 circumnavigated the globe

These little cars are pretty tough and have even been used to complete a world circumnavigation. In 2007, a 1969 Fiat was driven 35,000km in 99 days from Australia to Russia, through Europe and North America and back to Australia.

If you’re planning on even just a short trip over to Europe, call your classic car insurance provider to make sure you’re covered.

12. It’s a hairy World Record breaker

Italian hairdresser Maria Lucia Mugno holds the Guinness World Record for the world's hairiest car with her Fiat 500. Covered in 120kg of human hair, it took 150 hours to complete the transformation.

13. This tiny car is surprisingly large inside

It may only have two doors but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in space. Indeed in 2011, students from ESSCA Business School, in Paris managed to cram 14 people into an original Fiat 500 from 1972. The event was organised by IKEA France in order to promote carpooling during 'Green Week' in the country.

14. Call on the Fiat 500 if you get into a tight spot

British stunt driver Alastair Moffatt is currently the holder of the record for tightest car parallel parking. He managed to slide his way into a gap measuring just 7.5cm longer than the Fiat 500C – bettering Chinese rival Han Yue’s seemingly unbeatable record by 8cm.

15. It’s a fashion icon

We all know the Fiat 500 is a beautiful work of Italian styling but could its fashion credentials be bettered? Topping the list as one of the most fashionable cars of the last few years is the 500 Gucci. A collaboration with Gucci creative director, Frida Giannini, it combines Gucci’s trademark green stripes on the sides, with ivory and black interiors and Gucci logos on the alloys. Absolutely fabulous, darling!

16. The Fiat 500 has made the ultimate big comeback

In 2007, on the 50th anniversary of the Cinquecento’s launch, Fiat released its retro-styled modern-day successor. While there have been many changes it still retains its beautiful Italian styling. The new Fiat 500 is available with a phenomenal 500,000 personalisation options! With over 2 million cars produced, the new 500 has won over 40 major car awards.

17. You can brew the perfect cup of coffee while on the move

Italians and great coffee are inseparable. And so, one of the many options available in the new 500 is a built-in espresso machine from Italian institution Lavazza. Delizioso indeed!

18. If you’ve got deep pockets there’s some serious bling available

If you love a bit of luxury then take a look at the luxurious La Dolce Vita Gold and Diamonds. Customised by Italian tuning firm Fenice Milano for a rich Chinese businessman this Fiat 500C is a wonder to behold.

The exterior and interior are covered with 24k gold and it features state-of-the-art audio, navigation and network systems. Notable features include a removable 24k-gold designer iPad, seats sewn with precious materials and a golden dashboard.

19. The Fiat 500 had a brush with Bond

During his almost 60 year movie career, Britain’s favourite secret agent has driven a moon buggy, a tuk tuk, a double-decker bus, a firetruck, a gondola, a 29bph Citroen 2CV, and even a Ford Mondeo. Although Bond didn’t actually drive the Fiat 500 in 2015’s Spectre, he did bump it unceremoniously out of the way during a high-octane chase scene through the streets of Rome. Poor little Fiat! We hope they had classic car insurance in place.

20. The Fiat 500 is from a long line of award winners

Winning the award a total of nine times, Fiat has won more European Car of the Year awards than any other manufacturer. Most recently for the revamped Fiat 500 in 2008.

Grab a slice of motoring history

An emblem of the Dolce Vita era of Italy in the 1960s, the Fiat 500 remains an affordable classic car to this day thanks in part to the high number produced. However, be careful as prices can vary considerably and there can be some bad deals out there. Expect to pay between £3,000-£4,000 for one in need of restoration, between £5,000-£9,000 for a decent runner and between £9,000-£12,000 for one in great condition. Classic Abarths can reach considerably more.

Whether you opt for one in need of some work or one in tip-top condition, make sure yours is covered with classic car insurance to reflect its true market value. Lancaster can organise 2-year agreed valuations. Just ask the team for details.

Protect your Italian charmer with classic car insurance

If you manage to get your hands on one of these gorgeous little runners you’ll want classic car insurance to protect it, whatever you have planned.

Every year thousands of classic car owners of MGBs and Mazda MX5s, Ford Escorts and Morris Minors choose Lancaster to cover their precious motors. We can help you find the right cover, at the right price.

Proudly arranging classic car cover for over 35 years, the specialist insurance team at Lancaster is passionate about all classic cars. Our aim is to help keep as many as possible of these wonderful machines on the road for future generations to enjoy.

Cover from Lancaster gives you a range of benefits including:

• Up to 25% Classic Car Club member discounts
• Static show cover
• Historic rally cover
• Choice of repairer
• 90 days EU cover
• Laid-up cover
• Limited mileage discounts

You’ll also have 24-hour access to our claims helpline and UK-based call centre.

Get a quote for classic car insurance today.

Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.