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Karosseriewerke Weinsberg · 1959–present

NSU/Fiat Weinsberg 500

NSU/Fiat Weinsberg 500
Photo: Christian Böse · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source ↗

The NSU/Fiat Weinsberg 500 (from 1960 the Neckar Weinsberg 500) is a microcar built in Germany by NSU-Fiat of Heilbronn between 1959 and 1963. Based on the Fiat Nuova 500, it used the Italian car's mechanicals with coachwork by Karosseriewerke Weinsberg and was offered in two versions, a Limousette and a Coupé. A total of 6,228 were produced, at a price of 3,840 DM in 1959 and 3,620 DM in 1962.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

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Description

Two Weinsberg versions were sold at 3,840 DM (including heater and sunroof; whitewall tyres were an extra 50 DM): the Coupé and the Limousette. They differ only in the rear window design: the coupé features a wraparound panoramic rear screen, allowing only enough headroom above the rear seat for small children (up to about seven years old). The Limousette has rear side windows and a steeper, conventional rear window like a small saloon, hence the name. This gives the Limousette a little more headroom than the coupé, but less than a Fiat 500 Nuova. Both Weinsberg models are basically two-seaters with additional space for two children or luggage. Despite having an inviting padded rear seat, it is not practical for adults. The German tyre used in the Weinsberg is a 4.40×12 size rather than the 125×12 of the normal Fiat 500, indicating that the Weinsberg was regarded as a two-seater; its load capacity was slightly less than that of the slightly wider 125×12. In contrast to Autobianchi Bianchina, both Weinsberg versions were built from partially assembled car bodies with modifications to both front and rear panels. The front bonnet is higher, as is the wing profile, with finned rear wings and with rear lights that are unique to the Weinsberg. The cars benefited from some equipment upgrades in character with a luxury version: a sunroof instead of a folding roof, bug ornament, special bumpers, standard two-tone colour and wheel covers, ashtray in the dashboard, better upholstery fabrics and wide pockets in the doors. The luggage space is greater, made possible by the fact that the higher bonnet allows the spare wheel to be placed on the tank. The first version's side trim was soon replaced by a contrasting-colour side stripe. The Weinsberg's driving performance and handling ch

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name
NSU/Fiat Weinsberg 500
Manufacturer
NSU-Fiat
Production
1959–1963 (6,228 built)
Assembly
Heilbronn, West Germany
Designer
Karosseriewerke Weinsberg (coachwork)
Class
Microcar
Body style
2-door coupé, 2-door Limousette
Layout
Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Related
Fiat Nuova 500, Neckar (car)
Engine
479 cc straight-twin
Transmission
4-speed manual
Wheelbase
1840 mm
Length
3085 mm
Width
1350 mm
Height
1310 mm
Kerb weight
525 kg

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Measured facts from Wikidata (CC0). Check the linked sources for citations.

Sources