Designing the Topolino

By Simon Ryle

Topolino Prototype

The Fiat 500 was a remarkable little car which combined extreme economy with advanced engineering. The four cylinder engine was mounted at the front of the chassis with the radiator behind the engine. The front suspension was independent and the cross braced chassis was drilled for lightness. Sliding windows maximised the available room inside the car and there was ample luggage space behind the two seats.
There seems to be some confusion as to who was responsible for the design of this little car. Both  Fessia and Giacosa receive the accolade of being ‘responsible’ for the design of the 500. It depends which publication one reads!

The Topolino issue will rage for decades yet, but here’s what I know:

Both Dante Giacosa and Antonio Fessia were responsible for the Topolino, both in different capacities. Fessia was Director of the Central Technical Office for Mechanical Engineering for Fiat between 1936 and 1946, and therefore had a hand in all Fiat designs in that period. Dante Giacosa was, at the time, in the aero engine design department and was promoted to departmental head, with responsibility for the design of water cooled engines. So in effect, Giacosa worked under Fessia. For some reason, unknown to all but Agnelli (the ‘Original’), the design of ‘an economical model that could sell at 5,000 lira’ was turned over to Fessia and the Aero Engine design team, presumably because Giacosa was already working on water cooled designs. Indeed the Topo was originally designated ‘Zero A’, the A standing for Aero since it was designed in the Aero Engines section of Fiat.

The debate continues therefore. However it is worthy to note that the first test drive of the vehicle that was to become the 500 Topolino, taking place on 7th October 1934, was carried out by both Fessia AND Giacosa, each taking turns at the wheel.

It is also interesting to note that Fessia later worked for Lancia, and as Central Technical Director, was instrumental in the design of the Flaminia, Flavia and Fulvia.

The story of Giacosa’s involvement in the automobile started with the Topolino, and developed through 1100 (1940’s), 1400 (1950’s), 1100/103 (1950’s), 1800-2100 range (1950’s), 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 850, and of course the Nuovo 500 to models as grand as the Fiat Dino and 130 models. Whilst others may also be linked to some of these models, notably Lampredi, the ultimate decision to proceed with the design was often up to Giacosa. A very influential and respected man at Fiat for over 40 years.

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