Walking through the Payana Car Museum in Mysuru, you’ll encounter many legends. But there is one car that forces you to stop, walk around it, and then walk around it again just to be sure you saw it correctly.
I’m talking about the 1925 Fiat 501—a car that proves vintage cars were built with a logic entirely different from the vehicles we drive today.
Fiat 501 – The Door That Isn’t There
The first thing that caught my eye while photographing this Italian beauty with my iPhone 13 was its “entry problem.” Most cars have four doors, or perhaps two. The Fiat 501? It’s a three-door enigma.
On the right-hand side (the driver’s side), there is no functioning door. Instead, a spare wheel is mounted directly where the door should be. To drive this car, you have to enter through the single door on the left, slide across the bench seat, and settle behind the wheel on the right. It’s a ritual that turns every drive into an event.
The Transformation: A Bold New Look
The Fiat 501 was originally a black and green. Today, it stands as one of the most eye-catching vehicles in the museum, having been repainted in a striking combination of pink and dark red.
Whether the vision for this vibrant new look came from owner himself or was part of the meticulous restoration process led by Payana team, the result is undeniable. The colours highlight the 1920s body lines far more effectively than the original dark tones ever could, making it a favourite for every visitor with a camera.
Post-War Resilience: The 501 Legacy
The Fiat 501 holds a massive place in automotive history. Launched in 1919, it was Fiat’s first model produced after World War I. It was a symbol of Italy getting back to work.
Between 1919 and 1926, nearly 70,000 of these cars were produced, but very few survive today in such pristine condition.
Technical Snapshot:
- Engine: 1460 cc, 4-Cylinder inline side-valve
- Power: 23 hp @ 2600 rpm (A steady, reliable pulse)
- Transmission: 4-speed manual
- Speed: A top speed of 71 kmph (Back in 1925, this felt like flying!)
- Stopping Power: Classic mechanical drum brakes
Why Fiat 501 Stands Out
In an era of mass-produced, identical SUVs, the Fiat 501 reminds us that cars used to be eccentric. From its “scramble-in” entry style to its mechanical drum brakes, it’s a masterclass in early 20th-century engineering.
If you’re visiting Mysuru, the Fiat 501 at Payana isn’t just a car to look at; it’s a piece of Italian history that has found a colourful, permanent home in Karnataka.
Photography by Saravana Kumar Captured at Payana Car Museum, Mysuru | Shot on iPhone 13