The Fiat 500 was produced between 1957 and 1975, with limited production of the Fiat 500 K estate continuing until 1977. The car was designed by Dante Giacosa. Launched as the Nuova (new) 500 in July 1957, it was a cheap and practical town car. Measuring only 3 metres (-10 feet) long, and originally powered by an appropriately sized 479 cc two-cylinder, air-cooled engine, the 500 redefined the term "small car" and is considered one of the first city cars. Throughout Europe. Besides the two-door coupe, it was also available as the "Giardiniera" station wagon; this variant featured the standard engine laid on its side, the wheelbase lengthened by 10 cm (4 in) to provide a more convenient rear seat, a full-length sunroof, and larger brakes from the Fiat 600. Sports models were famously produced by Abarth, as well as by Giannini. An Austrian variant, produced by Steyr-Daimler-Puch, the 1957-1973 Steyr-Puch 500, had a motorcycle-derived Puch boxer twin motor, a sports model of which was the 1965–1969 Steyr-Puch 650 TR2. Production of the 500 ended in 1975, although its replacement, the Fiat 126, was launched two years earlier. The 126 was never as popular as its predecessor in Italy, but was enormously popular in the former Eastern Bloc countries, where it is famed for its mechanical durability and high fuel economy. The Fiat 500 has a Cx (aerodynamic resistance coefficient) of 0,38, a very good performance for its time. The penultimate model, the main change for the L is a much modernized interior (including a renewed dashboard) which brought the Fiat 500 up to date. Greater comfort and style were provided in this new model for the new generation. In 2007, the 50th anniversary of the 500's launch, Fiat launched the new Fiat 500, stylistically inspired by the 500 but considerably heavier and larger, featuring a front-mounted engine and front-wheel drive. Specifications Bodywork Length : cm (in): 297 (116.9) Width : cm (in): 132 (52) Height : cm (in): 133 (52.2) Wheelbase : cm (in) : 184 (72.4) Weight: kg (lb) : 510 (1125) Mechanics. Displacement : inline two 499 cc (30 ci), rear mounted Valve gear : 4 Fuel system : 1 carburettor Gearbox : 4-speed manual Drive wheels : rear wheel drive Maximum power : 18 hp at 6000 rpm Maximum torque : 19 Nm at 3200 rpm Maximum speed : 97 km/h (60 mph)