The Fiat 500 van version, the Fiat 500 Giardiniera was mainly intended for people who used the car for business purposes. It offered more space, had a higher and longer roof, a large rear door and a generous luggage compartment. The rear seat could be folded down, which transformed the car into a compact van – ideal for small businesses. It was in fact a passenger car and a commercial vehicle in one.
FIAT wrote at the time:
“It is by far the cheapest and best combination car for the businessman, who also wants to enjoy his car during the weekends. It can all fit in: four people, and of course also space for all the goods.”
How the Fiat 500 Giardiniera managed to offer so much space for both people and luggage? This was thanks to the ingenious construction of the horizontally placed engine under the floor. This created space for four adults and 200 kilos of luggage.
Enthusiast car
As a classic, the Fiat 500 Giardiniera Nowadays of course a car for enthusiasts with an extremely high cuddle factor. By the standards of the 60s she drives remarkably comfortably! This Fiat was intended for the 'common man', although there was also a Autobianchi-version for the somewhat more demanding citizen. The technical differences were minimal – the difference was mainly in the appearance: a slightly more luxurious version.
Doors 'wrong'
This Fiat 500 Giardiniera gives a real convertible feeling. In good weather, the roof open, the wind in your hair, the sun on your face - wonderful touring.
And then there are those 'wrong' doors. We have to talk about the dignified exit of ladies, where embarrassing situations had to be avoided. Etiquette prescribed:
“When getting out: legs and feet together, pull the body up on the handle or the door, and then step out.”
(This movement could be practiced at home with a peppermint firmly clamped between the knees.)
What makes this car so special?
You don't have to think about it for long. As soon as you get in, a smile automatically appears on your face. The enjoyment can begin. People become happy: everywhere you drive by, people spontaneously wave and honk.
Looking for a new home
The Giardiniera has long since disappeared from the FIAT dealer's showroom, but at Hub you can still admire this elegant Italian. After more than nine years of proud ownership, this beautiful and charming car can go to a new enthusiast. But the story behind the car is at least as special:
Hub says:
“When my father was a student, he rode a moped. A small accident made his father think it was no longer responsible to ride on two wheels. He was given a beautiful white FIAT 500 Giardiniera as a present – his very first car.”
A great gift
“When my father turned fifty, my mother thought it would be a good idea to give him exactly the same Fiat Giardiniera gift. The car she found was banana yellow… and needed to be completely restored. That took five years. In 2005 it was finally ready for hobby use.
Sadly, my father only got to enjoy it for one year; he passed away in 2006. The car stayed with my mother. It was a cherished memory for her, but in practice it was hardly used. Eventually, the car ended up with me.
In the past nine years I have not driven a thousand kilometers with it – reason enough to now give it to another enthusiast.”
City boy
The little city rascal is still a crowd pleaser that stirs up something in many. Just looking at the photos brings back memories. This cult classic undoubtedly deserves a place in the heart of every Fiat 500 enthusiast.
(The photos continue below.)
