A masterpiece of minimalist motoring, the Dante Giacosa designed 'Nuova' 500 was launched in 1957 to replace the famous and much loved 500 'Topolino'.

Not so much styled as designed around the mechanicals and space for 2 adults and 2 (very small!) children the tiny bulbous body gave the 500 huge character and was an instant success both at home and abroad.

Powered by a miniscule twin-cylinder 499cc air cooled engine and with a four speed crash gearbox the 500 was not as basic as it seemed with all independent suspension, and in later years a heater, headlamp flasher and full length sunroof as standard when many much more expensive cars still listed these as options.

Progressively refined, though never substantially altered throughout an 18 year production run which lasted until 1975, even an estate model called the Giardiniera was produced which was surprisingly spacious due to the fact that the rear mounted engine was laid on its side.

Thought to have been supplied new in Italy an...