Highlights
- Original UK market right-hand drive model
- One keeper from new until 2018
- Comprehensive restoration completed in 2023 to Concours standard
- Less than 100 miles since restoration
- Rare and desirable Coral Orange colour
The Appeal
It wasn't just Italy's medieval streets that found a place for the Fiat 500. The humble "l'auto popolare" also sold well overseas; indeed, Fiat also offered the 500 in right-hand drive for the likes of South Africa, Australia and Great Britain.
The latter's climate is not so favourable to an old Italian car, so UK market right-hand drive 500s are now very hard to find. If that's the one you've been looking for, then this is your lucky day, as Car & Classic is delighted to offer what is undoubtedly one of the best restored examples you will ever see.
The work was carried out by an ex-Fiat technician with a passion for the model; this is the fourth 500 he has restored.
The vendor tells us the story:
"This 1973 Fiat 500 is an original U.K. RHD car which had one owner from new up until 2018. The then purchaser's intention was to undertake a thorough restoration, and was intended to be a present for his wife once restored. He stripped the car completely, carrying out the much needed bodywork repairs, before losing interest and the ability to complete the work.
The latter's climate is not so favourable to an old Italian car, so UK market right-hand drive 500s are now very hard to find. If that's the one you've been looking for, then this is your lucky day, as Car & Classic is delighted to offer what is undoubtedly one of the best restored examples you will ever see.
The work was carried out by an ex-Fiat technician with a passion for the model; this is the fourth 500 he has restored.
The vendor tells us the story:
"This 1973 Fiat 500 is an original U.K. RHD car which had one owner from new up until 2018. The then purchaser's intention was to undertake a thorough restoration, and was intended to be a present for his wife once restored. He stripped the car completely, carrying out the much needed bodywork repairs, before losing interest and the ability to complete the work.
"The car was then sold to an ex-Fiat Technician in 2022 in its disassembled state and he then set about continuing the full restoration. He was of a Fiat expert, having worked for a Fiat dealership in the 1970s and '80s. He was also a serial Fiat 500 restorer, this car being number four in the line of 500s he had restored.
The car has been restored to as close to original factory specification as is possible, retaining original fixings and yellow zinc plating them as was the way back then. Lots of Receipts attest to what has been done and it ended up being a "Concours" example."
With less than 100 miles covered since, this immaculate 500, with its excellent provenance and enviable original specification, is sure to be the centrepiece of any collection.
History and Paperwork
- UK RHD car registered in 1973 with the registration number 'OBH 205L'
- One keeper from new until 2018
- Following a stalled restoration by the subsequent keeper, the car was purchased by an ex-Fiat technician in 2022 for restoration
- Comprehensive invoices document the restoration process
- Restored to original factory specifications
- 39,542 miles indicated
- Just c.100 miles covered since the restoration was completed
- Exempt from MOT and road tax
The Condition
- Impeccably presented inside, out and underneath
- Bodywork professionally repaired with replacement panels where needed
- Full bare metal respray in original Coral Orange
- Underside finished to Concours standard
- Panel gaps are precise, resembling factory standards
- New black sunroof in very good condition
- All chrome components replaced in 2023
- Genuine Carello light units
- Modern replica wheels fitted with new tubeless tyres in 2023
- Interior fully restored with new seats, door cards, and carpets
The Mechanics
- 499cc air-cooled two-cylinder engine stripped down and rebuilt as required
- Four-speed manual gearbox reportedly working well
- Minimal use since restoration, reportedly covering less than 100 miles
- Impeccably presented engine bay
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..
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✓ 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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