Fiat’s diminutive 500 has a loyal following and those in the know can’t fail to be impressed by this beautiful restoration of a barn find car from Italy. Used for ten years then stored for the next forty-six, this car has never seen a welder’s torch and yet showed no rust when stripped back to bare metal. It’s been subjected to the most comprehensive restoration imaginable which took a total of three years and is now on UK soil where the vendor sadly now has nowhere to store it.
His loss could be your gain though, as this is a rare opportunity to acquire a classic 500 in almost as-new condition and converted to right hand drive. The car is immaculate inside and out and would surely scoop up show awards for its next owner. But as it’s also been fully restored mechanically, it could also be a great promotional tool for a business. Wherever it goes, it’s bound to attract a huge amount of positive attention. If you want to take this beautiful small car on the next stage of its journey then get bidding now!
This being a 500D, the doors are rear hinged which affords easy access to the surprisingly spacious interior; even those over six feet tall should be able to get comfortable. Once inside, there’s not much in the way of interior trimmings but that’s not the point really. Simply roll back the roof and enjoy taking in the elements as you make sedate but steady progress.
Now, Fiat 500 purists will no doubt note that the seats are not trimmed to the exactly original specification. But the current owner fully intended to use this car and preferred the look of the black seats finished just as they are. It would be a shame to change them, too, as they have been completely restored and are essentially as-new. The matching black carpets are new and even the pedal rubbers have been renewed.
The front boot provides a limited amount of storage but is at least clean and dry. The back seats are the more likely location for your shopping but for longer trips there is also a luggage rack fitted to the rear. On the dash, what little equipment there is all works as it should, as do the heater vents located under the rear seat. Overall, it’s surely as good an interior as you will find in a 500D.aMfeJTpjGxnMj2SnFIjmidAeQKdAgY0m6tDOSAsM.jpeg200.23 KB
The Exterior
Freshly painted
Trim rechromed
Unused since restoration
Beautifully finished in red and wearing white wall tyres, this little Fiat is sure to raise a smile from any onlookers. The condition is just as you would hope with no marks or scratches and with all the chrome having been refinished, it looks just right. The renewed roof folds and stows easily, making it perfect for the sunny days that are surely just around the corner.
The owner was also a fan of the aftermarket chrome strips which run along the sills under the doors and a pair of these is supplied although currently not fitted.
Looking underneath, the condition of the underside reflects the lack of use since its restoration to the extent that taking it out on a rainy day might be a dilemma for a fastidious new owner.
With an engine bay you could eat your dinner off and everything mechanical fully refreshed or replaced, the car is reported to behave faultlessly. It starts first time and, on the only journey it’s ever been on, to the MOT station, performed just as it should. The four speed gearbox does not have synchromesh and so requires double declutching but it’s reportedly easy to get used to and gives the full classic driving experience, albeit with new brakes that work well.
Whether you want to drive to car meets or shows or use the car on a more regular basis, all the signs are that you’ll be having lots of fun on the way.
A rare opportunity to acquire an almost as-new Fiat 500D which is ready for new adventures.
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