New shoes needed: Majorette Fiat Nuova 500

(The Majorette Fiat Nuova 500 is not on general release yet, but browse the Majorette Fiat listings on Ebay here)

Right. Let’s get something out of the way first: I don’t like the wheels on this, and nor do you. I know the Mattel brands have better wheels, but so do Majorette. And they also know I don’t like the wheel choice for this casting. I told them in person in April. So did many others. In terms of wheel choices though, they’re catching up, fast. And they’re willing to listen. And once they get past a few sizing issues I’m sure this little Fiat will have more than appropriate footwear. But I’m going to ask you politely to just ignore the wheels for now. Imagine it’s a job interview and a candidate has turned up in a smart suit but is wearing diamante Lighting McQueen Crocs. You’ll ignore them right, and give them a fair shot? Of course, especially if you’re British. You’ll be polite, maybe make a quip along the lines of “ooh, snazzy footwear!” And then you’ll press on regardless. So, let’s begin.

The Fiat 500 is one of the motoring icons of the last century, ingrained into the fabric of car culture as much as the original Mini, Volkswagen Beetle or Citroën 2CV. Introduced in 1957, just under 4 million of the little “Cinquecento” were built before production ended in 1975. Like the Beetle et al, the 500 was built to motorise the masses, with the narrow Italian city streets in mind. The 500 was initially powered by a rear-mounted 479cc air-cooled two-cylinder providing 13bhp, with the later D model introduced in 1960 bringing an enlarged 499cc engine and 17bhp. Hardly world shattering figures but coupled with the 499kg kerbweight, more than adequate.

The Majorette model replicates the original “Nuova 500” produced between 1957 until 1960, and powered by the 13bhp engine. The Nuova 500 featured a roll-up fabric roof inspired by Fiat’s earlier Topolino model, and in 1958 a Sport model was introduced featuring an enlarged 499cc engine, a two tone paint job and 21bhp. Just over 180,000 of all Nuova variants were made before the 500 D arrived in 1960.

Majorette’s miniature version is a delight. It’s part of the upcoming releases from the brand’s Vintage line, and whilst It may not be the true to scale version that many die-hard 1:64 fanatics are always screaming for (it weighs in around 1:48 scale according to my rough measurements), I really don’t care. It’s a great looking thing; charming, bright, and nicely detailed.

The decals are sharp and the red interior contrasts nicely with the powder blue exterior; a shade that mirrors the correct “Azzuro Chiaro” of the 1950s/60s Fiat colour chart.

There’s also nicely moulded bumpers, clear lights, and in typical Majorette fashion there’s opening parts (the forward mounted trunk here) and suspension.

Wheels aside this thing is brilliant, and a welcome addition to Majorette’s Vintage range. Let’s just hope it turns up in better shoes next time….

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