Highlights
- Great condition interior
- Good paintwork
- Chassis in good condition
The appeal
The Fiat 500 was introduced in 1957 and was in production until 1975, offered in a single generation with ‘saloon’ and estate versions. Replacing the original ‘original’ Fiat 500 or the ‘Topolino’ in 1957, it was an all-new, lighter model. Following on from the model of VWs Beetle, the engine was placed at the back as many other manufacturers were doing at the time with great success.
This model is registered as an ‘F’ aka ‘Berlina’ and the F was positioned alongside the ‘Lusso’ or the ‘L’ and the ‘D’ all very similar but with some minor differences. The F was the cheaper base model but wore the same badges as the D (confused yet? It is supposedly the most misidentified model) one big thing that helps us out is the location of the door hinges, the ‘D’ has ‘suicide’ hinged doors, whereas the F has conventional non-suicidal doors, the bumpers are also a key giveaway with the L having an extra nudge bar.
Imported in from Italy, this little 500 has only had two owners in the country and is now looking for its next doting custodian who will give it the same amount of love, care and attention as the current owner has afforded the car.
The history and paperwork
- Collection of owner’s/workshop manuals
- V5 present
- Recent invoices for lots of mechanical and suspension work completed
The Fiat comes with a few owners and workshop manuals as well as a few invoices for parts and servicing from its time on UK shores. The Fiat doesn’t have a valid MOT at the moment as the previous one expired in October 2021, but it did pass that MOT with no issues flagged.
This shouldn’t put people off however as you can see with the invoice details below, a huge amount of work has recently been completed in the current owners time with the vehicle at a large financial expense, making this a fantastic opportunity for a new owner.
This shouldn’t put people off however as you can see with the invoice details below, a huge amount of work has recently been completed in the current owners time with the vehicle at a large financial expense, making this a fantastic opportunity for a new owner.
The invoices are detailed below:
Below work carried out by ‘Body & Soul Autoworks’ – 14/12/2021
- Replacement kingpins, spindles, bushes, steering idles, arms & track rod ends.
- New ignition coil, spark plugs, washer pump, switch & terminal, fuse & holder.
- Replacement wheel cylinders, master cylinder, brakes bled. Replacement hard brake line, new rear drums, all shock lower bushes and top suspension arms.
- Rear light electrical issue rectified, unseized brake pedals, gearbox oil topped up, new front wheel bearings, new rear fuel lines and filters, and various bolts and threads tidied up.
- Steering alignment
Body & Soul Autoworks – 15/02/2022
- Copper pipes, fuel clips, fuel hoses
The Interior
- Very good condition, original interior
- Branded Fiat floor mats
- Fabric, fold back sunroof
The interior of this left-hand drive Fiat is in fantastic shape, with no rips, tears or damage to any of the seats, carpets, sunroof or carpets it is definitely one of the strong areas of this car with the seats also being very comfortable to sit in.
The steering wheel is in good condition too with only some very minor cracks at the base of the spokes, it’s a nice retro throwback to see this big stylish wheel take centre stage in the interior of the classic icon. The dashboard is wonderfully minimalistic and the speedometer with internal tachometer should be a welcome sight to anyone more familiar with Fiat’s modern 500 offerings.
The mileage reads 65,370 and the two lights either side are for the indicators. The black and red trim on the seats is in great condition and looks to go well with the exterior colour, a real nice touch to tie the whole package together.
The Exterior
- Recent respray
- Arches in good order
- Plenty of tread left in tyres
- Additional hamper and rear hanger
The 500’s exterior is in great condition; the paintwork is recently new and apart from the small crack on the roof as shown in the gallery is done to a seemingly high standard. The chrome is in great condition as well and the front and rear bumper, wing mirrors, window trim, door handles and wheel hub caps all have a nice shine which sets off attractively against the bright red, eye-catching exterior colour.
The tyres as mentioned have plenty of tread on them (including the spare wheel which is in the front luggage compartment) and all windows are straight and have no chips or cracks. The driver’s side window has a minor issue where the glass goes up on one side quicker than the other meaning you have to guide it up.
The sunroof is in good condition with no rips, tears or discolouration, it is a tight fit which would suggest it would be able to resist whatever the British weather throws at it. All hinges, doors and boot open freely with no issues however the bonnet is a bit tricky, this may just be a sticking latch but might warrant further investigation. The jacking points on the car also need to have a small amount of welding after a classic car specialist looked over the car.
The Mechanics
- Owner recently replaced rocker cover gasket
- Starts and drives
- Lots of work done recently to get the car working with modern fuel
- Recent invoice documents lot of suspension work done too
As mentioned previously, the car is being sold as a project, as the owner reports that they think the engine is needing a minor recommission for the car to be perfect. The car runs and drive and sounds healthy on idle, there are no disconcerting noises or spills to be seen. There were also no unwanted noises coming from the suspension or drivetrain when the car moved the short distance out of the garage.
The Fiat currently has no valid MOT so would need to have one to be on the road, but these little cars were built to be simple and easy to fix/maintain so any work needing to be done now or in the future should be well within the abilities of a competent home mechanic and certainly a professional garage. Part of the joy of these cars is their ease with which to be maintained, a real sense of pride and satisfaction can be had from working with these vehicles.
Summary
One of the motoring world’s most iconic vehicles, the Classic Fiat 500 has always enjoyed a popularity with diehard enthusiasts, and it is seemingly seeing a breakthrough into the wider automotive enthusiast as being a sound investment in any form. With the new Fiat 500 being released a few years back these cars are now at the front of many enthusiast and investors’ minds being seen as a great entry vehicle into classic car ownership.
This little Fiat does have a lot going for it, with a huge financial investment recently and lots of jobs completed, it represents a great opportunity for a new owner to put their stamp on the car and to give it the final push it needs to get it to be a fantastic weekend or show car. The nostalgia is strong with this car and we assume that whoever snaps it up will be pleased with their purchase.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
