Beschreibung
This super quick, highly modified retro RHD Fiat 500 was purchased by a long term Midlands based owner in 2004 as a full restoration project. The Fiat had been off the road since the late 1980's and had no engine or gearbox. After purchasing the car in 2004, it was left for three years before a full restoration was started.
In 2007 the owner decided to restore the car with an uprated specification. The Fiat was totally restored over two years and in the region of £12, 000 was spent on the car. The bodywork was treated to a new front panel, inner front valance, outer front wings, doors, floor pans and a new boot lid. The Fiat was modified with wheel arch extensions, front ‘wrap around' style bumper, rear ‘wrap around' rear bumper, replacement LED light set with Hi density headlights and inset LED sidelights. Inset for and reverse LED lights and Peugeot ‘Receife' metallic paintwork.
Mechanically the car has a fantastic spec with a brand new 650cc engine by Middle Barton with fast road cam, skimmed head raising compression to 9:5:1 and a heat wrapped sports exhaust system. The Fiat also has a solid state electric fuel pump, fuel flow regulator, oil catch tank, alloy sump cover, rocker cover, fan cover and Twin Dellorto 38mm side draft carburettor. A re-conditioned gearbox was fitted with Fiat 500 drive shaft. The Fiat has coil over front suspension, steering rack conversion, disc brakes all round and new rear swing arms fitted with uprated Abarth drive coupling blocks and new wheel bearings. Spoke style Fiat stud configuration 12" x 4. 5J wheels with Yokohama 165/ 60HR12 A539 tyres were fitted and electrical upgrades include a Sat Nav/ phone charging point, electric screen wash pump and Smith's gauges for fuel, oil pressure and voltage readings. The car was also treated to a new wiring loom. The interior was fitted with original seats, new sunroof, new carpets, new Mountney steering wheel and leather gearknob.
Since completion in 2009 the Fiat has covered several thousand miles and is a delight to drive. Its quick, handles superbly and delivers lots of power. It is very different to the standard Fiat 500 and is ideal for keeping up with modern traffic. The Fiat has a very modern, enhanced look to it and is unlikely to appeal to the purist, but should appeal to anyone interested in upgraded, modified, retro cars.
