Author Topic: FIAT TOPOLINO 1937 - do I need it ?  (Read 16936 times)

richard

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FIAT TOPOLINO 1937 - do I need it ?
« on: July 09, 2013, 08:05:46 PM »
Away from home again and find I am musing once again on the possibilities of buying my three brothers out of their shares in the family resto project ? I find I like the idea of an earlier pre-war car. . Do I / don't I . Can't bring up pics whilst away but someone could from my flikr stream  
« Last Edit: July 11, 2013, 03:58:29 PM by richard »
outside of a dog a book is mans best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read .Groucho Marx 1895-1977

marcus

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Re: FIAT TOPOLINO 1937 - do I need it ?
« Reply #1 on: July 09, 2013, 08:19:21 PM »
Do you need it?

No.

Do you want it?

Yes.

Obviously you do or you would not even think about it let alone ask us here!

Be honest, you have already decided you do want it. If you have the money, space and time.....


....stop faffing around

....get the "Before" photos posted here

... do the work

....put the "After" photos up

...have fun!

Well go on then, GET ON WITH IT! 

BTW, I think a Topo will easily fit in with average "Microcar" classification, so RUM register it (if not already) and enjoy a pre-war micro/mini which I reckon is probably quite rare in UK and will get a lot of attention.

One problem: once completed, your brother will want in on it!
Just remember: as one door closes behind you, another slams in your face

richard

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Re: FIAT TOPOLINO 1937 - do I need it ?
« Reply #2 on: July 09, 2013, 08:38:13 PM »
Thanks for that marcus though not sure you should encourage me.  No. I haven't the time, space or money - but it would be nice. 600cc of sidevalve engine - well it should be. Currently fitted wth the 1954 ohv engine
outside of a dog a book is mans best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read .Groucho Marx 1895-1977

marcus

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Re: FIAT TOPOLINO 1937 - do I need it ?
« Reply #3 on: July 09, 2013, 09:00:57 PM »
You don't want encouragement? Alright then, walk away.

You don't have Time/Space/Money (TSM)? Walk away.

Wrong engine? Walk away.

Walk away and don't turn around for ten years, then find yourself thinking "If only I had done something about it?" If you CAN live with this prospect, keep walking.

If you can't, well you might as well make a start now, before it gets any worse!
Just remember: as one door closes behind you, another slams in your face

richard

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Re: FIAT TOPOLINO 1937 - do I need it ?
« Reply #4 on: July 09, 2013, 10:35:11 PM »
I never said I didn't want encouragement  ;)
outside of a dog a book is mans best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read .Groucho Marx 1895-1977

marcus

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Re: FIAT TOPOLINO 1937 - do I need it ?
« Reply #5 on: July 09, 2013, 10:41:44 PM »
I noticed that, that's why I ended with "you might as well make a start now" !
Just remember: as one door closes behind you, another slams in your face

GoggoPete

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Re: FIAT TOPOLINO 1937 - do I need it ?
« Reply #6 on: July 09, 2013, 11:45:50 PM »
Since when has need, time, space or money had anything to do with it? ::)

If you want it, which it sounds like you do, then go get it. Once you've got it, worry about those other things then. A solution will normally present itself... ;)
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richard

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Re: FIAT TOPOLINO 1937 - do I need it ?
« Reply #7 on: July 10, 2013, 06:08:12 PM »
I feel sure that barry could find some nice pics of an early topolino. Technically a microcar or lightcar - but not really is it , it's just too much of a proper car . FIAT just didn't do them did they  ;)
« Last Edit: July 10, 2013, 06:12:17 PM by richard »
outside of a dog a book is mans best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read .Groucho Marx 1895-1977

Chris Thomas

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Re: FIAT TOPOLINO 1937 - do I need it ?
« Reply #8 on: July 10, 2013, 06:28:59 PM »
Dear Richard

The Fiat Topolino is technically a microcar, but it is  certainly not an unusual microcar.

It was not only sold as a Fiat, but also a Simca in France and an NSU Fiat in Germany.  In the UK Smith Brothers of Purley, Surrey converted models into a soft top version.

A very important car in the history of small cars.

Chris Thomas
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richard

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Re: FIAT TOPOLINO 1937 - do I need it ?
« Reply #9 on: July 10, 2013, 07:10:40 PM »
Hmmmm don't get us all onto what's " unusual "  ;) yes I do agree though . Now how easy is it to convert to soft top , after all that would make it more - UNUSUAL . Any pics or further information of these please ? Particularly the smith conversions I can't find anything on them
« Last Edit: July 10, 2013, 09:10:29 PM by richard »
outside of a dog a book is mans best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read .Groucho Marx 1895-1977

Rusty Chrome (Malcolm Parker)

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Re: FIAT TOPOLINO 1937 - do I need it ?
« Reply #10 on: July 10, 2013, 11:25:44 PM »
The Siata Smith Special.

From this site

http://www.topolino.org.uk/
Malcolm
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Rusty Chrome (Malcolm Parker)

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Re: FIAT TOPOLINO 1937 - do I need it ?
« Reply #11 on: July 10, 2013, 11:27:05 PM »
The Germans did a natty convertible as well. The Fiat-NSU 500 Weinsberg Roadster.

From the German Wikipedia

http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat_500_Topolino

« Last Edit: July 10, 2013, 11:35:51 PM by Rusty Chrome »
Malcolm
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Rusty Chrome (Malcolm Parker)

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Re: FIAT TOPOLINO 1937 - do I need it ?
« Reply #12 on: July 10, 2013, 11:31:13 PM »
And I guess this is the one you are discussing from Flickr?
Malcolm
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richard

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Re: FIAT TOPOLINO 1937 - do I need it ?
« Reply #13 on: July 11, 2013, 07:24:55 AM »
Yep the last ones ours - untouched in 26 years since dad died . Those others are lovely . I found a bit on smiths 27 built  ? 1 left
« Last Edit: July 11, 2013, 09:00:24 AM by richard »
outside of a dog a book is mans best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read .Groucho Marx 1895-1977

marcus

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Re: FIAT TOPOLINO 1937 - do I need it ?
« Reply #14 on: July 11, 2013, 08:24:55 AM »
I love the Weinsberg Roadster, beautifully blinged up.
Just remember: as one door closes behind you, another slams in your face