Fiat 500 ‘Spiaggina’ (because life is a beach)

 
The birth of the Spiaggina-type beach car actually dates back to the immediate post-war period. Italian coachbuilders were sometimes commissioned to transform mass-produced cars for wealthy customers, who used them as seaside resort toys. The Fiat 500 was crying out for this treatment, and so the most stylish designers jumped on it. The modifications included the removal of the roof, with a ribbed cotton awning to replace it. Canvas or wicker seats and the removal of the side glass also gave it a real summery feel. That’s how the Fiat 500 became the world’s most elegant beach buggy, which is now hugely desirable.
 
Production
At the end of the 1950s, a pair of bespoke 500Ls became famous in magazines all over the world, due mostly to their celebrity owners. Gianni Agnelli and Aristotle Onassis each owned what the press would soon nickname the “spiaggina” (deckchair) car.
Various Spiaggina models were built in small quantities by the main Italian coachbuilders, and this continued right up until the early 1990s, before interest petered out. However, Real Italian Cars recently re-launched the very first Spiaggina re-designed to original specification. You too can now live the Dolce Vita.
 
Engine
Number and type of cylinders: two cylinder vertical in-line (rear mounted)
Bore and stroke: 67.4mm × 70mm
Total displacement: 499.5cm3
Power and RPM: 18hp at 4600rpm
Compression ratio: 7.1:1
Distribution: overhead valves, chain driven side camshaft
Ignition: battery and distributor
Electrical system: 12 volts with 32Ah battery
Fuel supply: inverted Weber 26 IMB 10 carburettor
Lubrication: pressure with gear pump, centrifugal oil filter
Cooling: forced circulation air
 
Transmission and brakes
Clutch: single dry disc
Gearbox: four-speed with reverse
Bevel gear ratio: 8/41
Transmission: rear-driven wheels
Rear axle: with independent wheels
Wheels: disc without slots
Tyres: 125R12
Shock absorbers: front and rear telescopic
Suspensions: front, deformable wishbones, transversal leaf spring lower arms; rear, oblique triangulated wishbones, coil springs
Brakes: hydraulic drum on four wheels
 
Chassis
Chassis type: ‘Spiaggina’ modified body
Fully loaded weight: 650kg
Wheelbase: 1840mm
Tracks: front, 1121mm; rear, 1135mm
Length: 2970mm
Width: 1320mm
Steering: screw and sector
 
Performance
Maximum speed: 105kph (65mph)
Fuel consumption: 5.0l/100km