Charity auction: all proceeds go to C&C charity partner The Refuel, committed to improving heart and mental health
One family ownership from new in Italy prior to import
Previously a regular fixture at the Fiat 500 Club of Milan
Ambassador for The Refuel charity since arrival in the UK
Accompanied by numerous early documents from its life in Italy
UK road registered: road tax/MOT/ULEZ exempt
Voluntarily MOT tested: valid to July 2027 with no advisories
Recently overhauled, ready for its next custodian
The Appeal
A totemic symbol of Italy's "Economic Miracle", the Fiat 500 is so much more than just a car. By the end of the 1950s, Italy had fully emerged from the dark days of war and Fascism, and the little Fiat 500 played a key part in it, bringing four-wheeled motorised transport to the masses. Fiat kept costs down by fitting every 500 with a fabric sunroof, thereby saving a great deal of steel. This also meant the 500 was perfectly suited to the warm Italian climate.
The 500L, the 'Lusso' variant of Fiat's iconic Cinquecento, added some (small) touches of refinement to the beloved city car formula with upgraded interior trim and chrome detailing. More than half a century on, these diminutive Italian charmers remain among the most endearing and recognisable classic cars on the road.
This 1971 example, affectionately known as 'Flavia,' reportedly spent the majority of its life with one family in Italy and was a regular fixture at the Fiat 500 Club of Milan. It was imported into the UK by Henley Classic Cars before being acquired by The Refuel in 2025, with the charity becoming the first UK-registered keeper. Since then, it has served as a feature car at events including Le Mans Classic and Race Retro, for which it has been transported instead by van to each occasion.
Following a recent overhaul and clean MOT pass, 'Flavia' is reported to start "on the button" and cruise along happily. The vendor describes the paintwork as good, though this is very much a car to be used and enjoyed rather than admired from behind a rope. A collection of documents from the car's early life in Italy accompanies the sale, adding provenance to an already mightily appealing little machine.OUL_4607-2 Luke Papworth.jpg6.37 MB
Key Information
Mileage: 31,470 km (indicated)
Country of registration: United Kingdom (imported from Italy; the vendor is the first UK registered keeper)
Technical inspection status: MOT to 5th July 2027 (no advisories)
Technical specs: 499cc twin-cylinder petrol engine, four-speed manual
Paperwork: early documents from the car's life in Italy are included (see gallery)
Finished in Turquoise Blue (code 419) over a caramel interior
Currently wears The Refuel livery, which the vendor states can be easily removed if desired
Rarely driven by the current keeper; primarily transported to events by Ford Transit van (it fits in the back)
Glossy paint in highly presentable condition; some small imperfections noted, which can be studied in the photographs
OEM steel wheels with hubcaps and period-style tyres fitted
Folding canvas roof appears to be a snug fit, and the fabric looks in good order
Smart period interior with minimal wear apparent
Good, presentable engine compartment
The engine sounds well and is demonstrated as idling contentedly (see video)
The vendor adds: "She starts on the button, cruises along happily with two or, if you’re feeling brave and aren’t planning on tackling any inclines, four people and spreads joy every mile"
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.
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