Highlights
- Excellent condition throughout, including mechanics and exterior
- Custom interior using the best materials possible
- A sensational head-turner
The Appeal
The humble Fiat 500 was very much a people's car, designed to amble across the beautiful landscapes of Italy, serving its purpose with charm and durability, but most would admit it needed help in the power department. Abarth stepped in, and with Fiat's blessing, gave the diminutive 500 a new dimension and opened up a niche in motorsports. Those original Abarth-tuned cars have become rather sought after, and combined with a relatively short production run are now priced accordingly. This has encouraged a demand for replicas, and thanks to the quality of the conversion, along with the wide availability of Abarth tuning parts, there are plenty of opportunities to obtain cars that may lack an original provenance, but offer the same thrilling experience.
Very much a tribute with plenty of useful modern concessions, this 1971 Fiat 500 has seen a radical transformation which includes bespoke steel bodywork, a neatly detailed and plush interior and a complete mechanical overhaul including a completely revamped 650cc engine. Restored and converted in Italy by a renowned specialist, this tribute is In excellent condition throughout. This finely presented machine captures the spirit of the original with the benefit of new quality parts and some very useful modern fittings.
The History and Paperwork
- V5c Registration documentation present
- Comprehensively restored
- Manufactured in November 1971
- First registered in the UK in September 2021
- Still registered with its first UK owner
- Believed to have been originally based on a 1971 Fiat 500
- Acquired via specialists, Italian Classic Cars di Franco Cavaliere
- All taxes and import duties paid
- Tax, ULEZ and MOT exempt
The Interior
- Retrimmed to a very high standard with several modern conveniences
- Leather racing bucket seats in excellent condition
- The rear seat is finished in white with quilted detail
- Black and red floor mats and carpeting
- Custom leather padded dashboard free of wear
- Bespoke centre console upholstered in leather fitted with Touch Screen audio/radio/bluetooth
- Abarth dials in excellent shape
- The owner states that everything works as it should
- The quilted theme runs across the headlining, which is also emblazoned with the Abarth text
- No indication of any significant wear or damage
- Electric windows
- The luggage area is in good shape and fitted with a red protective jacket
The Exterior
- Finished in white with Abarth decals and badging
- Structurally excellent, with no observations of damage or corrosion
- The bodywork is exceptionally clean, free of any form of dents
- The panel fit is very good, with flush lines throughout
- Doors open and close with ease
- The inclusion of its wider arches was part of the restoration of the car
- The paint application has been well applied, with no significant blemishes
- Bumper delete
- The red fabric sunroof is also in excellent shape and opens and closes with ease
- Glass and rubber seals are completely intact
- Rear pop-out windows
- Clear glass LED headlamps and rear lamps
- The clean 12” Minilite style wheels are shod with excellent Yokohama Advan tyres
- The car will be supplied with the rear engine lid stay brackets, not its telescopic dampers
The Mechanics
- F.A. Racing branded tuned air-cooled 650cc engine
- The engine starts up without any hesitation, it idles evenly with no unwanted noises coming from the engine
- Said to have no outstanding issues with the brakes or steering
- 5-speed gearbox installed, the owner has mentioned its linkages need fettling - this will be completed in time for the sale
- Go-cart like handling
- Its mechanical presentation is truly superb, some of the highlights include:
- Red-painted casings
- Twin-choke twin-barrel Weber carburettor and oversized valves
- Abarth rocker cover & cap
- Abarth Aluminium fan cowling
- Abarth oil sump 4.0 litre
- Lightened Flywheel
- Electronic ignition
- Equipped with an alternator
- Front disc brakes and wishbone suspension conversion
- Stainless steel sports exhaust with heavy-duty brackets & gaskets
- Racing ignition and manifold
- Polished intake and exhaust ducts
- Fitted with coil-overs
Summary
The exquisite Abarth detailing and its considerable mechanical upgrade are complemented by the thrilling buzz of the drive and the quality of the conversion. Thanks to the ground-up restoration and complete refit, this little firecracker also provides many modern creature comforts with a genuine Abarth experience.
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.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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