Few cars can bring a smile quite like a minuscule Fiat 500—except maybe a Fiat 500 pickup truck. The bright green 1973 Fiat 500 pickup recently sold on eBay took the cuteness factor to a new level. It even added an admittedly modest element of practicality.
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Coachbuilt Truck
The long-running Fiat 500 was Italy’s answer to the Volkswagen Beetle - opens in new window or tab.. It provided basic, affordable transportation to millions of buyers around the world. To put its 9-foot, 9-inch length in perspective, the 500 is about three feet shorter than a Beetle of the same era.
Fiat offered several body styles over the years but never a factory pickup. That was left to coachbuilders like Italy’s Lamorgese Antonio Garage. It converted a number of 500 wagons, or Giardiniera models, into mini pickups.
Two factors made the Giardiniera the logical choice for a pickup conversion: First, it’s about three inches longer than the coupe, allowing for a slightly longer cargo area. Second, the wagon’s engine is mounted on its side, so it sits low under the load floor.
Straightforward Conversion
The relatively straightforward conversion included removing the rear portion of the wagon’s roof, rear windows, and seats. Coachbuilders made a rear wall for the cab and repurposed the tailgate. Rugged diamond plate - opens in new window or tab. in the bed protects the sheet metal. The sides and top of the bed walls have matching diamond-plate trim. During the conversion, this truck was sprayed in its current bright green. Other than that, the pickup is stock.
Large windows with thin pillars and a fabric sunroof give the cab an airy feel. The rear-hinged front doors open wide for easy access. The original chrome front and rear bumpers dress up the truck and are in excellent condition. So are the original Fiat badges - opens in new window or tab. and chrome mirror on the driver’s door.
The only other adornments are chrome door handles and window trim, gleaming white 12-inch steel wheels - opens in new window or tab., and chrome Fiat dog-dish hubcaps - opens in new window or tab..
Clean Design
The interior is a model of clean design. A large white steering wheel and speedometer pod face the driver, standing in contrast to the dash, which is painted green to match the exterior. A row of three toggle switches for lights and wipers sits alongside the speedometer, along with an ignition switch and an ashtray. If you want music, you’ll have to sing.
The one luxury is brown wall-to-wall carpet, which lends a warm feel. Bucket seats for the driver and passenger have black vinyl upholstery with green piping.
The 499-cc inline two-cylinder engine gives the 500 its name. A four-speed manual transmission makes the most of its 13 horsepower—low even for the featherweight 500. But what’s the hurry when you’re having this much fun? Fire it up, open the sunroof, and belt out a little Pavarotti.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.