-
The 500 R or Rinnovata (1972 - 1975)
The last incarnation of the Fiat 500 was launched in 1972 at the Turin Motor Show, the R, was arguably the best model.
It had a larger 594cc engine of the 126, downgraded to 18 bhp from the 23 bhp of the 126, but it kept the old 500 gearbox. The top speed was increased to 100 km/h. And contrary to many translations of the FIAT literature, came with a non-synchromesh “crash-box” transmission. This transmission was retained from the earlier ‘F’ model, unlike the floor-pan which was from either the ‘L’, or later, the new 126. It was also more comfortable and more simply trimmed and equipped than ever - no gas gauge, just a low fuel warning lamp.
The 500 R marked a step backwards from the 500 L in terms of equipment and content, which clearly indicated that the model’s life cycle had come to an end. Sadly, it was merely a stop-gap for Fiat prior to the launch of the Fiat 126, and when the new 126 was launched sales of the old Fiat 500 R naturally plummeted. It plodded along for another two years beside the Fiat 126 but in the end Fiat made the only sensible choice - to retire the Fiat 500 R once and for all.
The last 500 would come off the assembly line in the Summer of 1975.
Below is a photo of the Fiat 500R
