1960 Fiat 1500 Cabriolet EV conversion by Retro Electrics (LHD)

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Fully restored Italian classic beauty
  • Retro Electric conversion
  • Excellent condition
  • Retains the manual gearbox for maximum driver engagement 

THE APPEAL

If you’ve decided to get an electric car but deep down you’d rather indulge your passion with an elegant classic car then this fully converted Fiat 1500 convertible could be the answer.

Sourcing a fully restored and stunning example of the 1960’s Fiat from Italy in 2021 the car was duly dispatched to Retro Electrics in Kent, for conversion to full electric running.

Speed sensitive power steering was also added to the mix and the end result is a very drivable and attractive classic that now utilizes the latest generation of batteries and electric motors instead of its original 1,500cc engine. 

THE PAPERWORK

  • First registered in 1960 in Italy
  • Fully restored in Italy prior to importation to the UK in 2021
  • Original Italian paperwork
  • Importation certificate
  • Converted to Electric by Retro Electrics
  • V5c present showing 1 UK owner
  • Matching spare wheel
  • 2 sets of keys
  • Although MOT exempt, its current MOT expires 21/11/2022

Fully converted to Electric running and being in excellent cosmetic and mechanical order this is a rare opportunity to acquire a very unique classic convertible designed by Pininfarina.

INTERIOR

  • Gorgeous red vinyl seats and interior 
  • Matching door cards
  • Excellent carpets throughout
  • Centre armrest with lockable compartment
  • Period style radio with Bluetooth
  • A few extra added buttons for the Electric drive system
  • Battery monitor
  • Excellent condition throughout

There’s a simple and exquisite elegance to the Fiat’s interior with everything being in very nice condition, with a couple of extra switches for the Electric drive system and a battery monitor to keep an eye on the car’s range. 

Otherwise its all original and very inviting with the original switches and instruments all working and a very lovely classic wooden steering wheel.

The seats are supportive and comfortable and there a useful lockable centre cubby box which also doubles as a centre armrest.

Fully restored in Italy only recently the cabin presents extremely well and has a period style radio fitted with FM and Bluetooth. 

In the boot and behind the front seats there’s some hidden Tesla modules for the 26.5 Kwh batteries and there’s a full-size spare wheel and charging cable for the car in the boot.

EXTERIOR

  • Graphite Grey paintwork
  • Fully re-sprayed in 2015
  • Excellent wheels and hub caps
  • New tyres all round
  • Chrome trim still nice and bright with a gently aging patina
  • Hood looks like new
  • Few small paint chips around the edges of the bonnet and doors
  • The odd small dent in the chrome trim
  • Very good overall condition

Recently resprayed as part of its restoration in Italy the Graphite Grey paintwork has a nice and deep shine to it and the external chrome trim is in great condition too.

The hood looks like it has been recently renewed, fitting nice and snugly with the folding mechanism working easily and smoothly.

The original steel wheels with hub caps appear to be in good condition and have all been fitted with brand new tyres and the whole car presents extremely well having only the odd stone chip and odd chip in the paint around the doors and the bonnet.

There’s no obvious external sign of the car being electric other than the lack of tail pipes and of course the lack of an engine or exhaust sound. The plug for the charging cable can be found under the fuel flap.

MECHANICS

  • Hyper 9 Electric motor
  • Tesla modules for batteries (26.5)
  • Speed sensitive power steering
  • New rear shock absorbers
  • Rebuilt clutch and gearbox
  • Fully refurbished brakes

Professionally converted by Electric Car specialist Retro Electrics the using the latest electric motors and batteries the car is particularly quick in its new Electric form and with a full charge the car has a range of around 110 miles, depending on how you drive it of course.
Either third, for more acceleration, or fourth gears are used to send power to the rear wheels and for engaging reverse there is a button on the dashboard, so it’s a very easy car to drive, especially with the addition of the fitted speed sensitive power steering.
Under the bonnet there’s no engine to be found as this has been replaced with an electric motor and its control system. It all looks very neat and tidy with an additional benefit of being effectively maintenance free, so there should be little need to lift the bonnet except to top up the windscreen washer bottle.

THE SUMMARY

A beautiful Italian classic convertible in fabulous all round condition with timeless elegant lines and look that is now powered completely by Electricity, so you can help save the planet while looking extremely cool.


Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.


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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1960
  • Make Fiat
  • Model 1500 Cabriolet EV conversion by Retro Electrics (LHD)
  • Colour Graphite Grey
  • Odometer 40,882 Kilometres
  • Engine size N/A
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Oxshott
  • Location Surrey
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
20 bids
  • Fo•••• £45,000 24/11/22
  • pr•••• £37,000 24/11/22
  • DC•••• £33,500 24/11/22
  • ha•••• £33,000 24/11/22
  • DC•••• £32,000 24/11/22
  • co•••• £31,500 24/11/22
  • DC•••• £31,000 24/11/22
  • co•••• £30,000 22/11/22
  • cr•••• £28,000 20/11/22
  • Fo•••• £25,000 20/11/22
Message C&C Auction Team

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