A regularly used and practical example of Fiat’s universally recognised city car
Covered less than 5,000 miles in the last 10 years
Featuring a number of Abarth based upgrades and a large, fabric sunroof
The Appeal
The Fiat 500, much like the Mini and Beetle, is a totem of the drive toward mass mobilisation after World War Two and, as such, needs little introduction.
The little 3-meter-long car underwent many revisions over the years, however.
This L version was introduced in 1968 and was a better-appointed version of the basic F model. The most obvious exterior upgrade was the tubular bumper guards. The interior is most obviously differentiated by the vinyl covered dash and more modern looking trapezoid instrument binnacle.
The interior appears to be in a very good original condition
The black vinyl seat covers are thought to be original
A small split is reported in the driver’s seat
Being the “L” model this car has a black vinyl covered dash
The owner notes “a couple” of splits in the dash vinyl
The dashboard is quite spartan and dominated by the large trapezoidal instrument binnacle
There is a smattering of other controls mounted on the dash
The door cars are also covered in black vinyl and box pleated
The black carpets appear to be in decent used condition too
There are a couple of Abarth based enhancements in the cabin
These include an Abarth sports steering wheel and an Abarth gear knob
This car is fitted with a large sunroof with a fabric cover
A hard sunroof insert is also included (pictured)
The surrounding roof lining is in good overall order
A modern Panasonic head unit with removable face plate is fitted
Music is fed to a pair of parcel shelf mounted box speakers
The little Fiat’s interior may appear somewhat spartan by today’s standards.
Being the “L” model this is the more upmarket version too! “L” enhancements included that vinyl dash but also more storage in the shape of the central shelf and large door pockets.
It’s faithfully period correct in here too, with much of it thought to be original. Only the steering wheel and gear knob appear to be non-standard upgrades. Charming.bhKBqUxk9pXyNtLVcrVQMgbq6LgrpFxp3eShapDQ.jpeg496.48 KB
The Exterior
The exterior is finished in bright red and is all the more eye-catching for that
The colourway suits the cheeky nature of the car very well
The black fabric sunroof cover contrasts nicely with the paint
The car is finished with accents of bright chrome work
These include the bumpers and “L” specification tubular bumper bars
The mirrors, door furniture, headlight surrounds and engine cover badges are also chromed
The car features a couple of Abarth based modifications on the exterior too
These include the rally style front bonnet rubber closures
The car also features 20 spoke, anodised alloy wheels with Fiat centre caps
The wheels are 12-inch items and shod in 135/80 tyres
The owner reports that the tyres retain a good level of tread
The original Fiat 500 has a cheeky persona and road presence that is matched by very few other cars.
The owner attests to the positive responses he enjoys from other road users and passers by when he is behind the wheel.
The exterior presentation helps to explain this. It looks great in bright red, and the iconic profile and more sporty alloy wheels just exude fun and enjoyment.
This little 500 has benefitted from an engine upgrade during its life
The original car featured a 479cc unit with a meagre 18bhp output
The 650cc and approximately 24 bhp of this unit represents a 33% power upgrade
The car has undergone many mechanical improvements in its current ownership
This includes new UK headlights and a new fuel pump and fuel line and filter
New rear suspension springs, battery and battery clamp and engine hatch seal
New exhaust and new engine cover heat shield
The car benefits from a complete stripping and reapplication of underseal and body wax
The car has covered less than 5,000 miles in the last 10 years and has been well maintained
As such no mechanical issues have been reported other than requiring a 30 second run of the starter after standing for a week or more
The upgrade to what is probably the 650cc engine from the later 126 is a common upgrade.
Despite the resulting 24 bhp output still sounding tiny, it’s a big and useful upgrade. It helps improve the drivability of the car in all conditions and makes it easy to keep up with modern traffic.r32Rdrty2rBSTbEK1xw5nfUtr7FvKONq5KErwMOp.jpeg499.17 KB
Summary
Many people are looking for a classic car that is relatively cheap to run, is useable but still has the ability to turn a few heads and raise a few smiles. Well, this little car will deliver all those things and more.
The car has been sensibly uprated and cuts a sporty dash with those well-chosen Abarth based upgrades. It’s a good colour too and the extra adornments associated with the “L” specification are well worth having.
A popular, useable and charming classic at an attainable price point.
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