Highlights
- Comprehensive mechanical upgrades including a brand new Fiat 650cc engine
- Styled as an 'Abarth Replica' with numerous bodywork and mechanical enhancements
- Garaged and maintained by the former owner since 2006
- MoT exempt, with many restoration elements carried out
The Appeal
One of the most legendary classics in history. The Fiat 500's legacy is still felt more than sixty years since it was introduced, and turned the Italian car manufacturer into a true household name. Of course, any enthusiast will tell you that the story didn't end there. Thanks to the work of performance specialists, Abarth, the 500 gained plenty of track experience. It's little wonder, then, that the somewhat sparse performance of the 500 has become so popular to upgrade in line with the Abarth's visage.
This 1972 Fiat 500 'Lusso' has undergone modification and upgrade into an Abarth Replica, and it's incredibly compelling. Packed with a Fiat 650 engine, a weber carburettor and fuel pump, the engine bay certainly looks the part. The car also boasts a re-conditioned synchromesh gearbox, new clutch, and front disc brakes.
All in all, it's an incredibly impressive, beautifully upgraded classic. It's not often an example like this comes along!
History and Paperwork
- Registered in 1972
- Selling on behalf of the estate of the former owner, who acquired the car in 2006
- Garaged throughout ownership and driven regularly, but not significant mileage accrued
- Many restoration elements and upgrades carried out
- many MOT certificates available, the earliest from 1991
- MOT exempt, most recent MOT expired Oct 2023
- Maintained by former owner
- Currently indicates a mileage of 82,512
- Mileage accuracy cannot be guaranteed, but the vendor states that they have MOT certificates as far back as 1991 (recording 78108 miles)
- Right hand drive, UK registered from new
The Condition
- Styled as an 'Abarth Replica' with many bodywork and mechanical upgrades
- Full body re-build including wing extensions and re-spray around 2006, with further offside body repairs in 2010
- Garaged and limited mileage since re-build
- Generally very presentable condition
- Some light signs of wear:
- Scratches on some window glass, primarily the rear window, nearside rear, nearside quarter light.. A spare quarter light glass is included
- Pitting on chrome finish of wire wheels, chrome window surrounds, and vehicle's badges
- Door gaps/alignment could be improved; doors drop slightly but operate correctly
- Some flaws/cracks in paintwork on:
- Nearside rear wheel arch
- Nearside roof above door
- The sills
- Ultimately however, this is a very pleasant, patina'd car, and none of this is of huge detraction
- The car's cabin is nicely presented in a sporty black and red colour scheme
- No sign of any rips or tears
- Only gentle patina to the leather
- Dashboard is clean and well-presented
The Mechanics
- 650cc two-cylinder engine
- Manual Synchromesh transmission with 4 gears
- Engine bay looks in good order
- Previous owner (1993-2006) fitted:
- Electronic ignition
- New alternator
- Starter motor
- Lowered suspension
- Mechanical works/upgrades by former owner (receipts/bills available for some elements):
- Brand new Fiat 650 engine (bought in Italy) at 84,228 miles
- Fitted with Abarth valve cover, sump, and cowling cover
- New Weber carburettor and fuel pump
- Powder-coated fan cowling
- Re-conditioned synchromesh gearbox and new clutch
- Abarth gear lever with gate change (old gearbox supplied as spare)
- New front disc brakes and shock absorbers
- Various suspension bushes
- Sports exhaust
- Car is reportedly starting and driving well
- We understand there's no mechanical issues to speak of
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ 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.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
