The 500 was always a basic car, so tinder-powered that when launched in 1957 even Italians gave it the cold shoulder. In comparison to rival countries’ offerings, such as the 2CV and the Mini that appeared just two years later, the 500 was out of date almost from the start. Most small cars could offer similar economy and just as much interior space while having that useful extra refinement for long journeys, but none of those rivals were quite as small as the Fiat. It was the ultimate town car, and its tiny dimensions and cheeky good looks soon won an enormous following among minimalist motorists around the world. The Fiat 500 was a true successor to the Fiat Topolino, or ‘Mickey Mouse’, which had been part of Italian culture since 1936. Replacing the original Nuova in 1960, the D looks very similar to the Nuova, but there are two key differences: the engine size, with the D featuring an uprated 499cc engine producing 17bhp as standard (this engine was used right through until the end of the L in 1973); and the roof: the standard D roof does not fold back as far as the roof on the Nuova, though it was also available as the ‘Transformable’ with the same roof as the Nuova. The D also features ‘suicide doors’ which are now considered as one of the most collectable 500s. This lovely left hand drive example in blue with red interior is the very desirable ‘suicide’ door model Din mint condition. The interior is presented in excellent condition and this model has the added attraction of the sliding sunroof. This model has been entirely refurbished 1 year ago by Joe Macari, on elf UK’s biggest and most famous Ferrari specialists. Great fun and an opportunity not to be missed for a true collectable car.