Highlights

Imported from Italy in 2022 with partial restoration
650cc engine with fully synchro box improves driveability
£5,000 on mechanicals since 2022 by specialist
Retrimmed interior in 500L style ribbed ‘Bordeaux red’ upholstery
Popular dark blue exterior with red interior and whitewall tyres

The Appeal

What’s better than a classic Fiat 500? Surely a classic Fiat 500 that’s been made considerably better. For enthusiasts that means improved drivability for modern roads.

To the 500’s cheeky, charismatic aesthetics this car adds a pokier 650cc engine and fully synchromesh gearbox. Perfect, in fact, for city driving where it is also usefully ULEZ exempt.

The car was imported to the UK in 2022, shortly after a full restoration in the popular combination of dark blue with a smart Bordeaux red interior. Since arrival it has been treated to over £5,000 of mechanical refreshment by a well known Italian classic car specialist.

The result is a car that is as usable as it is pretty. As an added bonus it retains the sought-after 500F features like the white-faced dials. For fans of these evocative classics, this is one not to miss.

History and Paperwork

First registered in 1968 according to seller
Imported from Italy in 2022
One keeper since arriving in the UK
Invoices for UK-based repairs
Garaged in the UK and not used in the rain
Receipts for all work carried out since are available
Partial restoration with a 650cc engine, synchromesh gearbox, full re-trim, and respray before importation
Over £5,000 spent on additional mechanical work after importation by an Italian classic car specialist
Full professional service recently completed summarised below

Recent service work:

Fresh oil
New plugs
Points
Coil
Condenser
Air filter
Fuel filter
Fan belt

The Condition

Popular combination of dark blue over burgundy vinyl interior
Paintwork is presentable but shows some areas that could be improved if required
Bodywork largely in very good condition with no visible rust
Restored in Italy prior to importation
Underside appears in smart condition for its age
Retrimmed in Italy with seats and door panels in 500L style
These feature ribbed ‘Bordeaux red’ upholstery with ‘500’ decals and blue piping
Carpet fitted throughout, and front seat belts added
Supplied with fitted carpet mats
Desirable 500F features include white instrument binnacle, steering wheel, metal body colour dash, and central ignition switch
All four tyres in good condition with whitewalls
Vendor advises engine cover has an ‘orange peel’ effect
We are also told that both doors have a slight colour difference
Bubbling of the paintwork under the windscreen and minor scuffs/chips on the body

The Mechanics

Upgraded to 650cc air cooled engine
Upgraded to fully synchromesh 4spd manual gearbox
We are told that the age and mileage of the engine and gearbox are unknown
Full brake replacement, steering and suspension upgrades, and gearchange improvements
£5,000 mechanical overhaul by specialist since arriving in the UK
Very little mileage completed since the mechanical work
Recent work on brakes, suspension, steering, and gearbox has improved the vehicle's overall drive
Recent servicing work detailed above
No reported running or driving issues

The vendor tells us:

“The 650cc engine and synchromesh gearbox make this car easier to own and drive. As a result of the mechanical upgrades and the replacement of many key parts, the car drives extremely well. In particular the recent work to the brakes, suspension, steering and gearbox have made a huge improvement to the overall drive of the vehicle.”

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:

✓ 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.

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

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]