The Fiat 500s, dating from the 1950s, are part of a stunning entry list confirmed by organisers of this July’s Liege-Brescia-Liege rally which, in 1958 was unique. Then, the challenge comprised 3,300 kms of gruelling roads, including treacherous mountain passes through the Alps, Dolomites and Yugoslavia, driven flat out – and all in cars of less than 500 cc.

This year, when the rally is undertaken as part of the 50-year celebrations, Fiat will be providing support in the form of a transporter full of new Fiat 500s. Any classic microcar breaking down during the rally and not able to be repaired swiftly en route, will be swapped for a new 500 so that the crew can continue to enjoy the event.

Rally organisers and technicians will also use a fleet of Fiats, which will offer receptions for competitors at overnight stops along the route, including Liege, Karlsruhe, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Ljubljana, Bolzano and Brescia.

Liege-Brescia-Liege 2008, organised by ClassicRallyPress Ltd pays tribute to this pioneering attempt to prove the practicality, durability and usability of tiny cars that were often dismissed as ‘city cars’.

In 1958, 36 cars entered the event but only 13 finished, and they included all seven of the 500s that started the rally. The 500s eventually placed 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 7th, 9th and 13th.

A 1958 report showed that the total engine capacity of all 13 cars that finished the event was less than that of one typical American car of the time – yet the 13 cars had transported 26 adults 2,000 miles over tough terrain, non-stop for three nights and two days.

This may be considered the first environmentally-conscious car rally, and the 2008 event sets out to prove once again that you can enjoy an unforgettable drive across many of Europe’s most beautiful mountain passes even in a small-engined car that is frugal on fuel.

About the new Fiat 500

Launched in Italy on 4 July, 2007, exactly 50 years after its predecessor, the Fiat 500 echoes its successful 'ancestor' in heralding a new, vibrant and positive era of car production for Fiat. The new Fiat 500 is now available in Australia. Priced from $22,990 to $29,990 (RRP), the tiny 2 door Fiat 500 is priced well above its competitors. In fact, it is even priced higher than the larger 5 door Fiat Punto.

About the Liege-Brescia-Liege Rally 2008

Starting from Liege on 11th July, the celebration rally covers the same 3,300 kms (2,000 miles) route as the 1958 event, including Europe’s toughest mountain passes, combining evocative names such as the Stelvio and Gavia with less well-known but equally challenging roads like the Vrsic in Slovenia. Overnight stops are: 11th July at Karlsruhe, 12th July in Munich, 13th July at Cortina d’Ampezzo, 14th July at Ljubljana, 15th July at Bolzano, 16th July in Brescia, 17th July at Bolzano, 18th July in Munich, 19th July in Karlsruhe and 20th July in Liege.