Pre-bids

1971 Fiat 500L

Highlights

  • Accompanied by copious paperwork from Italy and the UK
  • Offered in superb overall condition
  • Starts readily, runs beautifully and drives very well indeed

The Appeal

By the late 1950s, most European countries had recovered sufficiently from the effects of the Second World War that many ordinary people were in a position to buy their first car. Manufacturers cottoned on to the fact people were looking for small, economical vehicles. And so it’s this period when we see the arrival of the Austin Mini, Citroën 2CV, the rebirth of the Volkswagen Beetle and in Italy, the arrival of the Fiat 500. Between 1957 and 1975, nearly four million 500s were made, so it’s undoubtedly among the most successful cars ever made.
We’re delighted to offer this fantastic Italian home market example from 1971. This 500 is a relatively recent arrival, registered in the UK in August 2023; in fact, it still has its Italian Revisione (MOT) until March 2025. As you’ll observe from the photographs, the Fiat is in fantastic cosmetic order, and the vendor demonstrates that the mechanicals are in similarly good health to match. The vendor acquired it from a dealer in February 2024 and has since ensured the Fiat is kept indoors and exercised regularly. 
It’s rare to find a Fiat 500 in such smart order as this. If you’ve always promised yourself one of these charming little cars, be sure not to miss this lovely example.

The History and Paperwork

  • UK registered since August 2023
  • 1,188 km indicated
  • The vendor acquired the car from a classic car dealer in February 2024
  • One former UK registered keeper
  • Clymer and Haynes and OEM workshop manuals
  • V5C present
  • Assorted Italian paperwork
  • Italian logbook 
  • Italian Revisione ran until March 2025
  • Exempt from road tax and MOT in the UK
  • Invoice for work done by UK-based Italian car specialists Gonella Brothers

The Condition

  • Dry-stored throughout current ownership
  • Period-correct alloy wheels by Fergat of Turin
  • Glossy blue paintwork finished to a very good standard
  • The bodywork looks incredibly straight and solid
  • Both doors, the bonnet and the engine decklid appear to fit well
  • We’re not advised of any known corrosion issues
  • Smart chrome bumpers, complete with ‘towel rail’ overriders
  • Well-presented interior with minimal signs of wear
  • Period-correct ribbed rubber matting, often seen in Italian cars of this era
  • The upholstery presents impeccably throughout, including the door cards and headlining
  • Smart original dashboard, instrumentation and controls
  • Cabin electrics reportedly in good working order
  • Roof material in good visual order and the folding mechanism is reportedly in good shape

The Mechanics 

  • 499cc air-cooled two-cylinder petrol engine
  • Four-speed manual gearbox
  • The vendor demonstrates that the engine starts quickly on the lever and settles down to a smooth, steady idle
  • All gears reportedly select smoothly and the Fiat is said to drive very well with no known mechanical issues to report
  • All presents well inside the engine bay
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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. 
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✓ 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.. 

Pre-bids

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A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction. You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.

Auction Details

  • Year1971
  • MakeFiat
  • Model500
  • ColourBlue
  • Odometer1,188 Kilometres
  • Engine size499cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownNewcastle
  • CountyTyne and Wear
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

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