Fiat 500: driving an original model 60 years on

The 1950s Fiat 500 beat the original Mini to market, and for some, remains an even smarter city car than the Brit that arrived two years later. It’s even more diminutive, brilliantly simple to park and, even today, can still draw a cheery smile on the move and a healthy crowd when parked up.

‘50s Fiat spared no expense in creating it. The firm’s visionary designer Dante Giacosa penned a car less than 10ft long, one still able to swallow four people. Genius engine man Aurelio Lampredi designed an air-cooled aluminium engine to go in the back; he’s better known for designing V12 Ferrari engines that won Le Mans. Even before it was born, it had credibility in spades.

And today, it’s staggeringly good fun to drive. And funny to drive too – all because of its oh-so unique specification. The wheelbase is incredibly short, for example. It weighs less than half a tonne. And the engine is slung out back in the same location as Porsche 911s still follow to this day.

All of which makes it the most pure and delightful driving experience. The steering, for instance, is glorious, with untold feel and natural sensations, helping make the 500 brilliantly agile and accurate. You’re fully aware of how much grip there is at all times – and the sheer amount of grip on offer may well often surprise you.

When you do run out, there are no nasty surprises waiting. It will simply slide on all four wheels until you correct it with a perfectly intuitive lift or change in steering lock. It’s as brilliant on twisty roads as it undoubtedly is in the city.

The engine is a peach as well. It makes a lovely noise and is paired with a fantastically watch-like four-speed gearbox. This has no synchromesh, so will be a challenge to those used to modern cars, but those in the know will find they mesh with it in no time, so quick is its action and intuitive is its double-declutching abilities.

Indeed, the only area that really ages it on modern roads are the brakes. They not only feel awful, but they also barely work, and certainly will cause more than a few wide-eyed moments even to those used to their quaint lack of ability. You can of course forget ABS or even any sort of assistance.