Highlights
- Rare early 'eight bolt' 500F
- Restored and upgraded example
- Great condition
- Just one UK owner
The Appeal
The Fiat 500 is arguably the most iconic classic city car available today, known for its quirky styling, and surprisingly practicality despite its size. Today, very few examples of these adorable little cars have survived the test of time, with many falling to the expected symptoms of age.
Over the years it received numerous revisions, with one of the rarest and most prized being the 'Otto Bulloni' (eight bolt) 500F made only for six months between March and September 1965, so named for the eight bolts on its front-hinged doors and featuring an interior of higher quality than the later versions, which also had only four bolts on the door.
This example has been beautifully preserved over the years, now benefiting from a previous restoration, an upgrade to a 650cc engine and synchromesh gearbox and plenty of care. This Fiat performs brilliantly, looks fantastic, and offers buyers a very rare opportunity to own a unique, well-cared-for piece of motoring history. If you’re looking for the next addition to your classic collection, or fancy a quirky weekend toy, this is the car for you.
Over the years it received numerous revisions, with one of the rarest and most prized being the 'Otto Bulloni' (eight bolt) 500F made only for six months between March and September 1965, so named for the eight bolts on its front-hinged doors and featuring an interior of higher quality than the later versions, which also had only four bolts on the door.
This example has been beautifully preserved over the years, now benefiting from a previous restoration, an upgrade to a 650cc engine and synchromesh gearbox and plenty of care. This Fiat performs brilliantly, looks fantastic, and offers buyers a very rare opportunity to own a unique, well-cared-for piece of motoring history. If you’re looking for the next addition to your classic collection, or fancy a quirky weekend toy, this is the car for you.
The History and Paperwork
- No former UK owners
- Dutch import
- Previously restored
- V5C document present
This fabulous little Fiat 500 was imported from The Netherlands to the UK in 2020 and has since been treasured by a long-time enthusiast. This vehicle also benefits from a previous restoration, with a re-upholstered interior, light mechanical overhaul, and a fresh respray.
Although the vehicle has seldom seen the roads in the UK, the current owner reports quite a few happy outings in the little city car and has taken very good care of the vehicle. Throughout their ownership, the vehicle has required very little in terms of repairs or maintenance, other than repairing an ignition fault.
Included with the vehicle are invoices detailing work pertaining to the aforementioned ignition issue, as well as rust repair, seatbelt fitting, and general maintenance. Also included is the V5C document, and a printed copy of an original handbook.
The Interior
- Original components
- Retrimmed interior
- Sunroof
- Front seatbelts fitted
- Excellent condition
Despite its petite size, the Fiat 500 was regarded as quite a practical little car in its early days, capable of seating 4 passengers, with space in the frunk for cargo. In fact, it's actually a surprisingly more spacious cabin than you’d initially expect, with enough room for multiple passengers to enjoy.
The interior of this Fiat shows off a re-trimmed interior, which looks absolutely spectacular against the grey paintwork. As the vehicle has hardly been used since receiving its new red upholstery, all seats are in excellent condition with no noticeable signs of wear. Carpeting throughout the car follows suit, with very little room for fault.
Not wishing to strip the car of its character, there are still plenty of original components within the interior, such as the Dante Giacosa badge adorning the dashboard. Complementing original components, are two modern seatbelts for the front passengers, professionally fitted rather recently.
The Exterior
- Fresh grey paintwork
- Great condition
- Plenty of original components
- Quirky iconic city car aesthetics
Designed by now legendary designer Dante Giacosa, the Fiat 500 shows off what can be regarded as quintessential Italian classic styling. Over the years, the Fiat 500’s design has aged beautifully, still managing to stand out from the crowd, and even inspire the latest generation of Fiat/Abarth vehicles.
This particular example, affectionately named “Dante” after its designer, does Italy proud. The vehicle is one of the few to survive the years, now showing off a new grey finish and a very stylish exterior. Although a rather recent finish, the paintwork is showing signs of micro blistering as pictured, as well as a few minor marks to the rear hatch. That being said, the majority of minor bubbling is only noticeable upon close inspection and doesn’t detract from the overall charm of this quirky little car.
Other components around the vehicle reflect a clearer finish, with items like the lights, badging, and windows showing very few signs of age. Having likely been refurbished rather recently, all 4 wheels follow suit, showing off a great finish and shiny hub caps.
Overall, this Fiat 500 presents itself rather well, balancing the line between a show-worthy finish and a usable exterior with expected signs of age. Either way, this Italian legend certainly won’t fail to fill you with pride upon each glance.
The Mechanics
- Air-cooled 650cc 2-cylinder engine
- 4-speed manual synchromesh gearbox
- Drives brilliantly
- Well maintained
Although hardly as performance-oriented as the later Abarth variants, the Fiat 500 was renowned for being a rather capable, frugal vehicle available at a very affordable price. Today, the Fiat 500’s practicality and appeal can still be experienced on the road, as you open up the air-cooled 2-cylinder and enjoy hassle-free motoring.
Buyers will be pleased to know that following recent maintenance to the ignition system and carburettor, this particular car has been upgraded to a 650cc engine and synchromesh gearbox and fires up rather well, performing without a single known fault. As the vehicle has been professionally checked over and maintained throughout its time with the current keeper, buyers can expect characterful motoring exactly as Fiat intended.
Summary
This Fiat 500 presents a superb opportunity to own a rare version of one of the most iconic vehicles of all time, known for its adorable appearance and dependable city motoring. This vehicle benefits from restoration work, a retrimmed interior, and excellent maintenance, now presenting itself without a single known mechanical or electrical fault.
If you’re looking for a truly quirky vehicle to add to your collection, this characterful little Fiat 500, affectionately named “Dante”, should be your first choice.
If you’re looking for a truly quirky vehicle to add to your collection, this characterful little Fiat 500, affectionately named “Dante”, should be your first choice.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.