Little Woodie: ’49 Fiat Giardiniera

After World War II, the Fiat 500B was given an overhead valve engine, and the more modern front end that adorned the 1949’s 500C models. The 500C was available as a two-door coupe as well as a coupe with a full sunroof called the ‘cabriolet’ and a three-door station wagon. The first wagon, a 500B, was called the ‘Giardiniera’ and was a traditional Woodie. The “Giardiniera” station wagon featured the standard engine laid on its side, the wheelbase lengthened by 4″ to provide a more convenient rear seat, a full-length sunroof, and larger brakes from the Fiat 600. These cars had water-cooled, side-valve, inline-four engines displacing a mighty 569 cubic centimeters. Read More