Highlights
- Extensively restored
- Many original features, fixtures and fittings
- Fully rebuilt engine and transmission
- Sort after "round clock" model
- Two sets of keys
The Appeal
The charm and sheer pleasure in an original Fiat 500 are undeniable.
The fizzy little air-cooled motor whizzing away, with the roof pulled back as you amble through the sun-dappled countryside is a truly idyllic picture, and a picture you have the chance to make a reality.
The 500 is hard to find and they don’t hang around long, particularly if like this one, it has enjoyed a very thorough restoration.
The fizzy little air-cooled motor whizzing away, with the roof pulled back as you amble through the sun-dappled countryside is a truly idyllic picture, and a picture you have the chance to make a reality.
The 500 is hard to find and they don’t hang around long, particularly if like this one, it has enjoyed a very thorough restoration.
The History and Paperwork
- Restored and repainted body shell
- Original seats front and rear
- Extremely low mileage
- Rebuilt engine and transmission
- New Fuel tank and system
- Original steel wheels
- Rebuilt braking system
- UK Registered
- Original Italian Registration
- Original Handbook and service book
Originally registered and used in the outskirts of Rome, this little car enjoyed life in the sun in Italy when it was purchased by the present owner who took it to France and then brought it back to the UK in 2020.
It was decided to return the car to the UK thereafter where it could undergo a restoration.
During the Covid lockdown period, the car was stripped back and had a full shell respray and at the same time had all the mechanical aspects rebuilt. This was to include the engine, clutch and gearbox along with all the brakes, steering and fuel systems.
It is quite obvious that there has been an attentive eye for detail during this process, not only ensuring the work was thorough but also making sure the little car retained as much originality as possible.
It was decided to return the car to the UK thereafter where it could undergo a restoration.
During the Covid lockdown period, the car was stripped back and had a full shell respray and at the same time had all the mechanical aspects rebuilt. This was to include the engine, clutch and gearbox along with all the brakes, steering and fuel systems.
It is quite obvious that there has been an attentive eye for detail during this process, not only ensuring the work was thorough but also making sure the little car retained as much originality as possible.
The Interior
- Original seats
- Replaced rubber flooring
- New red headlining
- New folding sunroof
- Original instruments and switchgear
- Original rearview mirror and courtesy light
The interior of a 500 may be a little sparse, but you can’t deny that it’s light and airy, particularly with the roof folded back.
The bright red seats in this car are original as is the steering wheel and instrument cluster. The switches are all original and still function according to the owner.
The speedo is showing its age but this just adds to the charm and originality.
The fabric sunroof has been fully replaced including its frame as has all the rubber flooring. The rear headlining has been replaced with a nice splash of red to match the bright scarlet seats.
The charming chain pull for opening the boot is still there too and adds to the simplistic chic of the tiny runabout.
The bright red seats in this car are original as is the steering wheel and instrument cluster. The switches are all original and still function according to the owner.
The speedo is showing its age but this just adds to the charm and originality.
The fabric sunroof has been fully replaced including its frame as has all the rubber flooring. The rear headlining has been replaced with a nice splash of red to match the bright scarlet seats.
The charming chain pull for opening the boot is still there too and adds to the simplistic chic of the tiny runabout.
The Exterior
- Fully repainted body shell
- Original steel wheels
- New tyres
- Original badging and chromework
Finished in the original white and sporting a couple of very Italian ‘Go Faster’ stripes, the repainted body looks great.
Original wheels, headlamps and fittings all add up to a lovely looking car with oodles of originality. The doors close with a solid thump and are hung perfectly.
It is difficult to be sure of the low mileage at just over 17,000 but now the very thorough restoration is complete, that mileage is more than believable.
Original wheels, headlamps and fittings all add up to a lovely looking car with oodles of originality. The doors close with a solid thump and are hung perfectly.
It is difficult to be sure of the low mileage at just over 17,000 but now the very thorough restoration is complete, that mileage is more than believable.
The Mechanics
- Rebuilt engine
- Rebuilt gearbox ( Gearbox removed, flushed, serviced and filled)
- New clutch assembly
- Refurbished braking system
- New fuel tank and fuel system
The little 499cc engine is painted bright red and sits proudly in a clean engine bay.
There are many bright new nuts and bolts to finish the job as well as a sparkly stainless exhaust. It bursts into life with a proper rasp which is so indicative of these cars.
There aren’t any areas that have been overlooked during the restoration and great attention and effort appear to have been made to ensure everything works as it should while retaining as much authenticity and originality as possible.
The power plant and transmission have been fully rebuilt and where needed, new parts have been employed. There’s a new clutch assembly, new fuel tank and fuel lines as well as a fully overhauled braking system ensuring longevity and reliability.
There are many bright new nuts and bolts to finish the job as well as a sparkly stainless exhaust. It bursts into life with a proper rasp which is so indicative of these cars.
There aren’t any areas that have been overlooked during the restoration and great attention and effort appear to have been made to ensure everything works as it should while retaining as much authenticity and originality as possible.
The power plant and transmission have been fully rebuilt and where needed, new parts have been employed. There’s a new clutch assembly, new fuel tank and fuel lines as well as a fully overhauled braking system ensuring longevity and reliability.
Summary
There are cool cars and there are very cool cars, and this diminutive little 500F is most certainly very cool. It is a real head turner and brings an admiring smile to anyone that gazes upon it.
It is cheap enough to buy and enjoy yet rare and iconic enough to be a popular talking point at any car show and could stand proudly amongst a field of Italian supercars.
Having had a not insignificant amount of money and time spent on the restoration, the result is quite stunning. The owner has maintained the car’s originality and purity and has not fallen for the easy upgrade option of the Abarth lookalike.
Roll back that roof, pop on the Ray Bans and grab yourself some of the Italian sophistication.
It is cheap enough to buy and enjoy yet rare and iconic enough to be a popular talking point at any car show and could stand proudly amongst a field of Italian supercars.
Having had a not insignificant amount of money and time spent on the restoration, the result is quite stunning. The owner has maintained the car’s originality and purity and has not fallen for the easy upgrade option of the Abarth lookalike.
Roll back that roof, pop on the Ray Bans and grab yourself some of the Italian sophistication.
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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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