FIAT 500 NORMALE

Hood and side moldings. Polished wheels cups appear for the first time.

Production: 1957/1959

November 1957, after 3 months since the official launc of the “Nuova 500″, Fiat release on the market 2 updated versions of the 500:

The 500 “Economica” (Economic) which was different from the other versions only for a minimal increase of power and interior improvements.

The 500 “Normale” (Normal) which offered improvements also on the exterior (at the same price as the first model). The major improvement was the possibility of having opening windows in the doors, polished wheels cups, aluminum moldings (a thicker one under the doors and another one at half height of the car), brushed aluminum projectors frames, lights commands on the steering wheel.

Interiors: lights command onn the steering wheel, including the turn indicators (on the dashboard, replacing the old switch, we could find the blinking indicator), upholstery in the rear seat, modification to the speedometer (speedometer color changed and new horn button), rubber covers on the brake and clutch pedals. Window deflectors on driver side is changed, and finally provided with a lock.

The price for the “Economica” was decreased from the initial 490.000 Lire to 465.000 Lire and Fiat refound the difference (25.000 Lire) to the firsr customers. Additionally, Fiat offered to modify their 500 with new features for free.

The engine power on both versions was increased by 2 HP, thanks to changes on the carburettor and camshaft, generating a power of 15 HP @ 4.000 rpm. The specific power raised from 27 HP/l to 31,3 HP/l.

It is worth to mention the strengthening of the heating system, obtained by a modification on the hot air drawing circuit.

Those modification determined the increase of power:

• new carburettor (Weber 26 IMB) with increased diameter diffuser (from 18 mm to 20 mm) and main pin brought to 1,10 mm (compared to 0.90 mm of the first series).

• Modified airbox

• Camshaft modified in timing and in raising

The slight power rising obtained (in the order of 15% frot he first series) significantly improved the performance of the “Nuova 500″.