Highlights
- A superb example of the 500 L
- Sympathetically restored, retaining original upholstery
- Registered in Italy
The Appeal
The iconic Fiat 500 was an immediate hit upon its release, though was naturally a spartan design. As charming as the nimble little cars were, there was no denying that as the 60s rolled on, people were expecting a little more internal presentation in their vehicles, and the 500 was beginning to look a little lacking.
Fiat, ever-responsive, changed things around a little - but not too much - with the Fiat 500L, a slightly more luxurious motor that did away with the bare metal dashboard and made the vehicle feel just that little bit more ‘complete’.
The updates included: new guards to the bumpers, trims around the windscreen and windows, and an anti-glare dash, complete with faux leather seating. It wasn’t much, but it was authentically Fiat, and the model did exactly what it was meant to - sell to a slightly more discerning audience.
This lovely example has been kept in good stead by its current owner, who has seen some sympathetic restoration carried out to maintain the car’s essential character.
The History and Paperwork
- Reportedly only two owners from new
- Entire life spent in Italy
- Reported mileage of 32,720km
- We’re told all work has been carried out by specialists
- Lightly used in recent years, kept within dry storage
- Last passed legal review in 1995
The Interior
- The Fiat 500 L features a basic interior, but is far better appointed than the base model
- Restored but sympathetically so, largely with original upholstery
- Black faux leather seats, plastic dashboard, carpets and faux leather door cards
- Spoked steering wheel with distinctive trapezoid console
- Largely in excellent condition with only minor scuffs and wear
- Very well-kept interior metalwork
- Some wear underneath dashboard
- Fuel tank and spare tyre hatch in good condition with only minor signs of wear
The Exterior
- Distinctive colour scheme with chrome accents
- Badges and branding all clean and well-presented with only minor wear
- Some minor scuffs and scratches commensurate with age
- Some visible paint fray to the bottom of sills
- Blistering and minor paint loss underneath front bumper
- Some patina and pitting to the chromework
- Surface corrosion to underside of vehicle, though we’re informed nothing of concern
- Good set of tyres with plenty of tread
- Overall, a very well-presented and completely original example
The Mechanics
- The distinctive Fiat 120 ‘sewing machine’ engine is all present and correct in good order
- Some surface corrosion is visible on the floor of the engine bay
- The owner informs us of no mechanical faults with the vehicle
- No reports of leaks, smoke or knocking from the engine
- Overall, an excellent mechanical example
Summary
The Fiat 500 L’s higher standing compared to its predecessor does little to take away from the rather basic, bare-bones charm that makes up these agile little cars. With its iconic and beautifully presented beige paintwork and its distinctive ‘chattering’ exhaust note, this is an eyecatching, handsome example of the 500 L that shows very little sign of its age.
It’s often said that a classic Fiat is one of the must-dos for car enthusiasts, a bonafide icon of the pioneering period in the 60s and 70s, when Italian cars were rapidly dominating the market. So this is a perfect opportunity to find out just what makes these cars so special.
