The Fiat 500, much like the Mini and Beetle, is an icon of the drive toward mass mobilisation after World War Two and, as such, needs little introduction. The little 3-meter-long car underwent many revisions over the years, however.

By the time this car left the factory in 1975 the little 500 was in its ultimate state of development with it even being sold alongside its successor, the Fiat 126. 

The current owner has owned this car since 2007 and has spent the intervening years on a full, ground up restoration program. The car started life in 1975 as a Fiat 500 R. Since then, however, every aspect of the car has been restored, improved, and enhanced.

The owner oversaw the complete restoration doing much work himself but then turning to Italian specialist businesses for key aspects of the work such as the engine rebuild.

The owner retains the original registration plates and paperwork for the 1975 car, and these will be available to the lucky new owner. In addition, there is an archive of over 400 photos and videos detailing every stage of the restoration process.

Some of those are included in our photographic package but this is just a sample of the full record available. There are also invoices for parts and services procured as part of the restoration.

The interior has benefitted from the same level of attention and restoration as the rest of the car so is in factory-fresh condition. The car features newly upholstered front and rear seats in black vinyl with red piping. There are other red accents within the cabin including the seat belts and the gear lever and handbrake gaiter.

Fitted mats, door cars, head lining and original Abarth steering wheel all present in as-new condition. In addition, this special little car features a bespoke 5-instrument dashboard including a km speedometer, rev counter, fuel level indicator, oil pressure and temperature gauges and voltmeter, all fully functional.

The bodywork and paintwork of the Fiat 500 have all been fully restored and recommissioned. The bright white paintwork and chrome work are both new and professionally applied.

The car sits on chunky, four spoke 12-inch alloy wheels which look great and really fill the diminutive wheel arches perfectly. Like the rest of the car, the alloys appear to be in “as-new” condition. What’s more they are shod in 145/70 R12 Toyo tyres.

So much work has been expended on the mechanical systems of this Fiat 500 that it is surely hard to match by other 500’s currently available. The engine and gearbox were transplanted from a later Fiat 126 Personal 650cc. The engine has then been increased in its bore resulting in a 700cc displacement. The camshaft, carburettor (dell'orto FZD)  and valves have either been uprated or overhauled. A Fiat Panda twin-coil has been fitted also and the car has covered less than 6,500 kms since the rebuild.

Front disc brakes have been fitted, as has a sports suspension set-up with 6-sheet crossbows and inverted eyelets springs together with lowered and stiffened shock absorbers. The hubs and spindles from the later Fiat 126 have also been utilised.

Given all this mechanical attention it will come as no surprise to hear that this Fiat 500 has no issues to report in terms of its mechanical systems. The upgrades made make for a much more useable classic car too.

If the appeal of this unique, restored Fiat 500 isn’t immediately obvious, it may be time for that overdue eye test! Fiat 500’s of this vintage are already amongst the most endearing and sought-after modern classics today. This one takes that already strong appeal to a whole new level.

The fully restored looks of the exterior and interior puts many others to shame. Add to that the new owner will enjoy a very professionally upgraded and restored car to ensure they will get the maximum of benefit from the unique charms of this car. This little Fiat surely embodies the charm, zest, and dolce vita of Italy in one, compact and beautifully restored package.