The Fiat 500, or Cinquecento, was produced by Fiat from 1957 until 1975 as a cheap and functional small car for the masses in post-war times.

It might have been small, but its appeal was huge and widespread, being economical to run with its basic equipment and being powered by a 479cc air-cooled 2-cylinder engine at the rear.

The 500F was launched in 1965 with front hinged, rather than suicide doors, a larger windscreen for improved visibility and a power hike in the engine department to 18bhp.

The history of this little car from Fiat is a little vague, but the V5c shows that it was first registered in the UK, having been made in 1965, in 1985, having obviously been imported from another right-hand drive country.

The car joined a large private collection in 2010, at which time it was fully restored and prepared by the aptly named Fiat 500 specialists Weenie fiats.

The car was subject to a full interior and exterior bare metal respray in its original colour, and a new 650cc engine was fitted along with a new gearbox. The mechanics and the various rolling chassis components were all thoroughly reconditioned or replaced as required along with new rubber seals everywhere, a new twin exhaust tail pipe, new front brake disc conversion, new carburettor and electronic ignition fitted.

New wheels were also fitted along with most chromed fixtures and fittings all around the car including new bumpers and lights. The final bill for the restoration and works totalled over £10,000 and since all the work was done the car has done very few miles, being stored along with the rest of the collection in a large garage.

The car comes with its V5c showing nine previous owners, many MOT certificates for its time within the collection and the invoice from Weenie Fiats detailing the extent of the works carried out in 2010, along with a Haynes and a Fiat workshop manual.

The basic but black functional interior of this little car still looks the part with all the new carpets, fixtures and fittings and the door cards welcoming you into a small but surprisingly spacious cabin. The seats are supportive and comfortable, everything works as it should and the vinyl folding sunroof fits nice and snugly waiting for those sunny days to be opened and enjoyed.

The only thing that is noticeable and perhaps requires attention is the split in the steering wheel but otherwise there is no damage or excessive wear anywhere to be found.

The car has been fitted with an aftermarket Kenwood stereo head and speakers with iPod and USB connectivity.

The bodywork and paint all look in excellent condition on every panel and from every angle the car really does look superb.

There is the beginning of some corrosion to the external chrome work here and there, but it looks like a good clean and polish will sort most of that out quickly and the checkered sunroof is a nice sporty touch.

Under the bonnet and in the boot, everything looks solid and clean and a quick glance underneath suggests that all is well there too.

The tyres were all new 10 years ago and have plenty of tread left as it has done no mileage and the whole car sits nice and squarely on the road and looks as pretty as a picture.

Although the new engine and full restoration was done over 10 years ago the car may need its fluids and filters changed as it has not needed any servicing while it has remained in the collection, and perhaps a gentle running in of the engine and the many new components would be a good idea too. 

The car starts easily and reportedly runs beautifully with everything working correctly and as it should.

The Fiat 500 is one of the prettiest little cars ever produced with plenty of character and assured iconic classic car status for the future.

They are easy to park, fun to drive and you’ll be sure to be greeted by smiles everywhere you go, so if you’re looking for a small car with a large amount of character and timeless style, you might have just found it.