This caught my eye because A) I wasn't familiar with Giannini, and B) I had no idea Fiat made this style Fiat 500 or "Cinquecento" through 1975. (They are producing a new 500 now - One of the cars rumored to be coming to the US now that Fiat has linked up with Chrysler)Fiat introduced the 500 in 1957. It was the Italian version of a peoples car a la the Volkswagen Beetle. Like the Beetle, the 500 was a rear engined car. The engine in the 500 was an air cooled 497cc 2 cylinder engine (eventually the engine grew to 594 cc).
The engine must take well to tuning because the Abarth Fiat 500 is a highly regarded car and one that does well at vintage races. But the Giannini seems to be amazing...
A quick search of the internet turns up very few Giannini sites. One said the car was capable of 75 MPH and delivering 40+ MPG. But several said that the car was capable of 100+ MPH while delivering 60 MPG. That seemed a little incredible until I saw the video below. (100 MPH is approximately 160 KPH... I'm still not buying the 60 MPG, though)
This is one of those fascinating cars that I know little about. If you're familiar with them please post any info in the comments section or e-mail me with the info and I'll post it.
Click here to see the only thing close to a definitive Giannini website.
Click here to see the 1975 Giannini listed on eBay.
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