The Fiat 500, commonly known as "Topolino", was manufactured by Fiat from 1936 to 1955. The Topolino was one of the smallest cars in the world at the time of its production. Three models were produced until 1955, all with only minor mechanical and cosmetic changes. It all started from an idea of Benito Mussolini. In 1930, the Duce had called Senator of the Kingdom of Italy Giovanni Agnelli to inform him of the "absolute necessity" to motorize Italians with an economic car that did not exceed the cost of 5,000 lire. The task was put in the hands of 29 years old Dante Giocosa an aeronautical engineer who’s career with FIAT started in 1928. His work would cover the mechanical content of the car – engine, transmission and chassis. Rudolfo Schaffer, FIAT’s resident coachwork engineer was to design the body at the same time.
The 500 Sport Vendrame was built on a 1938 chassis 500 A, type crossbow short (balestra corta). It was fitted out in a barchetta sport, in duralumin, by Tullio Vendrame of Mareno di Piave (Treviso), in 1949, for Francesco Giacomini of Padua who wanted to participate in the Mille Miglia. The work was completed in 1952, but in the meantime the owner died. The car was then sold to Egidio Motti, who used it in some races. The engine is distinguished by the adoption of a special “Testa Marino” head prepared by the Marino Brandoli, which also changed the connecting rods and pistons. The displacement goes well beyond the 600 cc.