Highlights

Project car with Abarth-style bodywork
Sliding sunroof
Much loved car form bereavement sale
Last owner for over 30 years

The Appeal

Even today, if you venture into any Italian city you’re bound to come across a Fiat 500. The multi-million selling microcar was not only a means of transport, but also a national institution. Today’s collectors the world over clamour to get their hands on what is one of the most collectable, cherished and recognisable cars ever made.

This one is a bit of a blank canvas – a project car that was in regular use until the owner passed away in 2020, and which is offered as a 500 you can truly make into your own.

It’s offered for sale by the late owner’s daughter and is a reluctant sale, but she acknowledges that she’ll probably never get her dad’s car back on the road, so is hoping for a new owner that will restore the Fiat and give it a whole new lease of life.

Previously, it was a well-maintained car. The owner was a mobile mechanic and Italian car specialist, and he would use the 500 as a promotional or courtesy vehicle, driving it to customers and leaving it with them while he fixed their own classic Italian cars. It has been made to look a bit racier than normal as a result, with Abarth-style widened arches and sports wheels.

Although complete and largely intact, the Fiat is sold as a non-runner and is said by the vendor to really be in need of a complete restoration – something she’s hopefully the new owner will do to a car she remembers being driven to school in during the 1990s.

The History and Paperwork

UK V5C
Tax, MOT and ULEZ/CAZ exempt – but will need restoration before use
English language Fiat 500 owners’ handbook
Old MOT certificates dating back to 1990
Previously owned for over 30 years by an Italian car specialist and maintained by him
Bereavement sale of a much-loved family car

The Condition

Abarth-style wide arches
Sports steel road wheels
Fold-away canvas roof
Complete and intact
All correct chrome
Early-style front badge
Presentable bodywork with some cosmetic imperfections
Rust to both door bottoms
Corrosion to both front arches
Some rust visible on rear valance
Bubbling to windscreen surround
Sills appear sound and have been stonechip-protected previously
Signs of underbody corrosion but doesn’t appear to be substantial
Repainted red from original white
Interior is basic and in fair condition
Three-spoke Ferrari-badged steering wheel
Retro 1990s radio-cassette player
Fabric seat coverings in sound order other than requiring some cleaning
Original rubber floor mats

The Mechanics

499cc air-cooled twin
Was previously maintained by the owner – a mobile mechanic specialising in Italian classic cars – until his death four years ago but hasn’t been driven since
Currently a non-runner but was in full working order when parked so shouldn’t need a huge amount of work to return to running condition
Some performance tweaks, the extent of which isn’t recorded nor known by the vendor, who inherited the car

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.

✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.