Highlights

No expense spared sympathetic restoration
Desirable synchromesh gearbox
Right hand drive conversion
Fiat certificate of authenticity

The Appeal

Produced from 1957 to 1975 and designed by Dante Gaicosa, who is responsible for designing a vast range of Italian automobiles and also for refining the front wheel drive layout to an industry standard configuration. The Fiat 500 is among his best creations, and the legacy of these cars live strong in our current modern society.

Considered to be one of the first vehicles designed for the sole purpose of scooting around the dense cities, hence the petite proportions and small engine capacity. In 1959 the Fiat 500 was awarded a Compasso d’Oro industrial design award, one of the most recognised awards in its field.

This particular example of Dante’s work has been immaculately and sympathetically restored, originally being purchased by the owner as a shell from Italy before the height of Covid, it was brought over to the UK around May of this year and extensively restored, going through all the details with a fine tooth comb. And we must say, what an effort - it is fabulously presented.

The History and Paperwork

Originally registered in Italy in 1970
Certificate of authenticity from Fiat
The vehicle was found as a shell in Italy before the pandemic and the owner purchased it
Because of the strict travel laws due to covid, the vehicle sat for a long period of time untouched in Italy
As of May 2022, the vehicle was imported to the UK to start its restoration
The vehicle was officially registered here as of the 1st of June 2022
During the restoration, the engine and transmission were entirely refurbished, retaining the matching numbers title
The bodywork was already in surprisingly good condition due to spending its life in the warm and dry Italian climate
Complete respray in the vehicles original colour
Vehicle has been converted to RHD for the UK roads
V5C present and ready to go!

The Interior

Completely, sympathetically restored interior
Vinyl seats are absolutely flawlessly presented
Door cards are all of brand new condition
Carpets have all been entirely replaced during the restoration process
Steering wheel and dashboard in absolutely showroom condition
Sun roof recently replaced and in fabulous shape
All brightwork appears perfect
Door handles and window winders are all in functional condition
Dashboard beautifully simplistic
Speedometer functional and displays “00000” miles due to the extensive restoration and remanufacture of mechanical components

The Exterior

Full body respray in the original Blu Turchese paint
Brightwork all in fantastic condition with tremendous levels of clarity
Badging clear as ever with bright red Fiat badge
Original wheels in lovely form with fresh tyres and a load of tread
Retractable canvas roof in brand new condition
Extremely solid bodywork thanks to living in Italy for its entire life
Panel gaps all appear to be of factory fitment
Chrome luggage rack mounted to the rear with a woven hamper mounted in place with leather straps
Rubber window seals all appear brand new with no signs of any cracks or ageing

The Mechanics

Completely restored and remanufactured engine and gearbox
Matching engine and gearbox numbers
Desirable synchromesh gearbox
Rear wheel-drive configuration
Rear engined
500cc
Fresh MOT valid until May 2023
Zero mileage vehicle, it’s barely turned a wheel since its complete restoration this year and is in impeccable mechanical condition
Turn-key vehicle firing up easily and sounds as healthy as ever
New tyres with loads of tread
Underside is just as clean as the bodywork, as you would expect
Engine bay in gorgeous presentable condition
Original vehicle toolkit in the bonnet area

Summary

We have a soft spot for any classic Fiat 500 - and this is certainly one of the best ones you can get your hands on right now in terms of presence. The restoration completed on this stunning example has been done with fabulous care and attention to detail, sympathetically done to ensure the vehicle is as close to original specification as possible.

This charming 500 would be an incredible addition to anyone's collection and an amazing investment as the prices of these cars seem to be creeping up as the years go on.