1971 Fiat 500
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Highlights
- Project car with Abarth-style bodywork
- Sliding sunroof
- Much loved car form bereavement sale
- Last owner for over 30 years
The Appeal
Even today, if you venture into any Italian city you’re bound to come across a Fiat 500. The multi-million selling microcar was not only a means of transport, but also a national institution. Today’s collectors the world over clamour to get their hands on what is one of the most collectable, cherished and recognisable cars ever made.
This one is a bit of a blank canvas – a project car that was in regular use until the owner passed away in 2020, and which is offered as a 500 you can truly make into your own.
It’s offered for sale by the late owner’s daughter and is a reluctant sale, but she acknowledges that she’ll probably never get her dad’s car back on the road, so is hoping for a new owner that will restore the Fiat and give it a whole new lease of life.
Previously, it was a well-maintained car. The owner was a mobile mechanic and Italian car specialist, and he would use the 500 as a promotional or courtesy vehicle, driving it to customers and leaving it with them while he fixed their own classic Italian cars. It has been made to look a bit racier than normal as a result, with Abarth-style widened arches and sports wheels.
Although complete and largely intact, the Fiat is sold as a non-runner and is said by the vendor to really be in need of a complete restoration – something she’s hopefully the new owner will do to a car she remembers being driven to school in during the 1990s.
The History and Paperwork
- UK V5C
- Tax, MOT and ULEZ/CAZ exempt – but will need restoration before use
- English language Fiat 500 owners’ handbook
- Old MOT certificates dating back to 1990
- Previously owned for over 30 years by an Italian car specialist and maintained by him
- Bereavement sale of a much-loved family car
The Condition
- Abarth-style wide arches
- Sports steel road wheels
- Fold-away canvas roof
- Complete and intact
- All correct chrome
- Early-style front badge
- Presentable bodywork with some cosmetic imperfections
- Rust to both door bottoms
- Corrosion to both front arches
- Some rust visible on rear valance
- Bubbling to windscreen surround
- Sills appear sound and have been stonechip-protected previously
- Signs of underbody corrosion but doesn’t appear to be substantial
- Repainted red from original white
- Interior is basic and in fair condition
- Three-spoke Ferrari-badged steering wheel
- Retro 1990s radio-cassette player
- Fabric seat coverings in sound order other than requiring some cleaning
- Original rubber floor mats
The Mechanics
- 499cc air-cooled twin
- Was previously maintained by the owner – a mobile mechanic specialising in Italian classic cars – until his death four years ago but hasn’t been driven since
- Currently a non-runner but was in full working order when parked so shouldn’t need a huge amount of work to return to running condition
- Some performance tweaks, the extent of which isn’t recorded nor known by the vendor, who inherited the car
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1971
- Make Fiat
- Model 500
- Colour Red
- Odometer 64,478 Miles
- Engine size 499
Auction Details
Message C&C Auction Team
- Seller Type Private
- Town Wilstead
- Location Bedfordshire
- Country United Kingdom
The Gallery
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