by Antonio Erario
On August 1st 2025, being in Turin means that you're working... but in 1975, Fiat was closing its doors and the meeting was set for September.
That summer, however, marked the end of an era… the 500 was retiring after 18 years of an honorable career.
That date marked the end of production, consigning the 500 to eternity.
In this 50th anniversary we met in Superga coordinated by our member, the great Silvio Pezzana, a friend with a huge heart, who invited us to a very exciting event.
The members arrive one by one with their twin-cylinder bikes, we discuss and talk about our beloved 500, until Silvio begins with a sentence that leaves its mark: "But do you realize that we are friends thanks to the 500?".
He continues his speech by analyzing the historical and social significance of the "tin box", and then with a veiled melancholy says: "I'm so sorry for whoever scrapped it, because they're certainly kicking themselves today."Silvio, accompanied by his faithful dog Tato, recounts some adventures while handing out Fiat 500 Club Italia merchandise and a bottle of wine specially labeled for the occasion and donated by him personally.
But do we want to talk about his TON1?
Silvio with his 500 R (registered precisely TO N1) has toured the United States, driving the entire Route 66, and half of Europe. He's also been to Garlenda so many times that I think his 500 knows the road well enough to drive it alone!
Well, he is a special person and this is demonstrated by the fact that at this 50th anniversary event all the members wrote a dedication on his number plate (of course we assigned him the number 1!).
We continue by sharing anecdotes and personal stories, exchanging opinions on restorations or maintenance. But we know that at a certain point the favorite sport of 5 runners is "table sit-ups," and so we set off, enjoying Turin from above, towards Piola d' Le Duij SoreleWe immediately gave the owner a personalized number holder, which he immediately displayed while enjoying a delicious Piedmontese dinner.
Carlo, how long have we known each other? Fabio, do you remember when we went to Garlenda together? Did you finish that 500? and again and again… in short, an evening full of friendship.
It's been 50 years since the end of production of the Fiat 500, but the passion truly NEVER ends!
Thanks Silvio, number 1 of the 500.
