Highlights
- A smart and eminently usable example
- Has lived in Italy for most of its life
- The vendor reports that it is running and driving well
The Appeal
Given the enormous success of the 500, it’s no wonder that Fiat began to explore other potential applications for their best-selling people’s car. By marginally increasing the wheelbase and elongating the roof, an estate or ‘Giardiniera’ version of the 500 quickly took shape. So popular and versatile was this variant, that Fiat subsidiary Autobianchi took over its production from 1966.
Here we have one such example, dating from 1971. Supplied new to Italy, but now to be found registered in the UK, this little Fiat is a good, presentable and seemingly very original example. While it’s not perfect by any means, it looks to be a very sound car and should make for a really usable classic.
The History and Paperwork
- V5C present
- UK registered since 1977
- LHD Italian supplied car, with a dealer sticker from Brindisi in the rear window
- Italian Revisioni paperwork dating from 2016
- UK registered
- Exempt from MOT testing and road tax
- Italian registration plate remains with the car
The Interior
- Tan vinyl upholstery
- Looks and feels very original
- No excessive wear or damage
- The basic seats present very well, with little wear and no holes or tears we could make out
- The door cards look to be in good order, upholstered in black and with not much wear
- Carpeted in black, which seems in good shape
- Ribbed rubber matting lines the boot area, which looks to be original
- Simple painted steel dashboard with no extra holes having been cut for a radio
- Pleasingly patinated controls
The Exterior
- Folding canvas sunroof running along much of the vehicle’s length which looks in good order
- The bodywork looks to be quite straight overall, with a few small imperfections and the odd dent
- We noticed a dent in the offside door
- Finished in white, which looks good overall
- The paint bubbles and cracks a little in places, but there’s nothing that noticeable from most angles
- The steel wheels exhibit a little damage and don’t look to have been painted that well
- The sills appear relatively sound, although there’s evidence of some previous repairs and some body filler
- The floor pans looks quite good underneath, with the vendor advising us that some welding work will be necessary in places
The Mechanics
- 499 cc OHV inline twin producing 17.5 horsepower
- Four-speed manual gearbox
- The servicing history is unknown
- All the running gear looks to be in reasonably good order
- Evidence of some oil leaks underneath the engine and gearbox
- The vendor reports that the car runs nicely and drives well
- No mechanical faults apparent
Summary
This charming little Fiat would be a great candidate for rolling restoration, or else to enjoy exactly as it is.
It's a very presentable example and the fact that it's said to be running and driving well, makes this Giardiniera sound like a great proposition.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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