Recent mechanical and structural restoration by Fiat 500 specialists Proietti
Superb condition right down to the details of the interior
Very useable 500 with full synchromesh gearbox that improves driveability
ULEZ exempt classic city car
MOT and tax exempt, although the car can be MOT'd prior to collection if required
Pretty, standard 500 with attractive alloy wheels or the option to return to standard with its original steel wheels refurbished and included
The Appeal
The original 500 virtually invented the city car and set new standards for what could be achieved in the most compact of motoring dimensions. Its functional shape became iconic, virtually the legal definition of ‘cute,’ and so enduring that it underpins a whole range of current Fiat models.
The 500 ‘Rinnovata’ model was the last iteration of the ‘Nuova’ 500, available from 1971 to 1975, and designed as a budget alternative to the new Fiat 126, with which it shared floor pan and 594cc engine.
This beautiful late model 500R was recently comprehensively restored by model specialists Proietti and finished in Ochre Yellow with a black vinyl interior. The work covered bodywork as well mechanicals. It is completely standard except for the useful addition of an all-synchromesh gearbox and those attractive black lattice alloy wheels (the original steel wheels are with the car). Surely few classic cars deliver smiles per mile quite like the original diminutive 500 and this is one where all the hard work has already been done.
The History And Paperwork
First registered 1st January 1973
Imported to the UK in 2015
Restored by Prioetti during 2018 and 2019 at a cost of £15,000 Excluding purchase of the car
Correctly UK registered and one owner since importation
MOT expired 12th May 2022 and has covered under 200kms since
Simple yet stylish interior in very good condition
Trim and fittings appear to have been replaced during restoration
Factory correct specification right down to the rubber mats
R model with very limited dashboard instrumentation
Proper four seater with rear bench seat
Reconditioned factory steering wheel
While we may now revere the Nuova 500 as a design icon, a remarkable construction that seems to defy conventional notions of size and space, back when this car was new it was simply a basic, utilitarian mode of transport. That is most evident in the interior, which in some respects more closely resembles a motorbike than a car, just a simple speedo dominating the painted fascia and not even a fuel gauge – there is a low fuel warning light – to augment it.
As the photographs of this beautiful little car show, less is most definitely more. The simplicity and functionality are a key part of this little car’s abundant charm.
The invoices for the 2018-2019 restoration indicate that the work included fully restoring the interior. It appears to have been fully retrimmed in factory correct black vinyl – including the door trims – and the painted dashboard has also been restored, the switchgear appearing new or refurbished. As would be expected of a marque specialist like Proietti, everything appears to have been refurbished or renewed. It is all correctly detailed to factory specification, right down to the rubber mats and even the pedal rubbers.
There is a useful folding vinyl sunroof that turns this diminutive Italian car into something close to a convertible.
The Exterior
Ochre Yellow bodywork in immaculate unmarked condition
Aftermarket black lattice alloy wheels with polished rims
New Constang 12inch tyres fitted all round
Chrome and badging appears new or refurbished
The distinctive shape of the Nuova 500, which was launched in 1957, was a big departure from the earlier ‘little mouse’ 500. To modern eyes it looks svelte and stylish, but to customers of these cars when new it was purely functional. The clever shape enabled drivers to see all corners of the car easily when manoeuvring at speed through cobbled Italian streets or negotiating tiny parking spaces in order to grab a Café Corretto on the go.
The Vendor states that this car was imported to the UK in 2015 before being subject to an extensive restoration by Proietti during 2018 and 2019. This ‘nut and bolt’ restoration included a full strip down and bodywork restoration before it was professionally resprayed in what the Vendor describes as Ochre Yellow and states is original. This colour appears to be a close match for the Mustard Yellow factory finish available for 1973 and 1974 500s so is potentially period correct.
The paintwork is unmarked and immaculate. The car has covered less than 750 kms since 2019 and this is likely why it presents so well. We closely inspected the photographs and could see no evidence of any damage, including stone chips.
The chrome bumpers and detailing that neatly accentuate this car are also in very good condition, as is the badging. All appear to either be new or refurbished.
The car is fitted with what appear to be fairly new tyres and attractive black lattice alloy wheels with polished rims. The original steel factory rims, which appear to have been refurbished, are also supplied with the car.
The Mechanics
594cc version of Fiat’s two-cylinder petrol engine
Upgraded four speed all-synchromesh gearbox
Electrics, suspension, ancillaries, engine and gearbox all restored during renovation and work detailed in invoices with car
The 500R was the last version of the Nuova 500 before it was fully replaced by the Fiat 126. For a few years both cars were produced alongside each other, the 500R being a budget alternative. The two cars shared floor pans and the enlarged 594cc version of the 500’s familiar two-cylinder petrol engine.
Invoices from Proietti with this car indicate that the restoration work included overhauling the drivetrain, suspension and electrics. The photographs of the engine bay also indicate this work. The car was kept standard except for fitting a fully synchromesh gearbox, a useful improvement that makes these little cars considerably easier to drive in traffic. The only other deviation from standard is the fitment of a sports exhaust.
We are told by the Vendor that the car was fully serviced shortly after the restoration work was completed, likely during 2019. MOT records indicate that it has covered less than 750kms since. The MOT expired on 12th May 2022 and while it has covered only 200kms since the last MOT test, the seller has offered to MOT the car prior to collection for the new owner.
Summary
The Fiat 500 is a bonafide motoring icon, a design masterpiece that continues to influence Fiat’s car design 70 years on. Unmolested, comprehensively restored examples are hard to find and this one certainly ticks those boxes.
With the provenance of restoration by model specialists, this late model 500R is immaculately presented in mustard yellow. The quality of that renovation is obvious from the details, like the immaculate interior with its new mats and pedal rubbers. Whether to enjoy with that big roof rolled back on a sunny day or as a talking point at the pub, petrol station or classic car show, this gorgeous little car looks ready to bring smiles to any new buyer.
Notice to bidders
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