HIGHLIGHTS

Very late Cinquecento in top-spec trim
Extremely tidy and original
Original book pack and history
Perfect classic for young enthusiast

THE APPEAL

2023 is a year of anniversaries, with some of the most significant cars of all-time marking big milestones. And while 30 years of the Fiat Cinquecento isn’t as big a draw as 75 years of Land Rover or the Jaguar XK120, it still deserves to be recognised – not least because, for many of us, it’s difficult to believe that three decades have passed since Fiat returned to a name from the past with its cheeky new city car.

After all, according to www.howmanyleft.co.uk, at the end of 2022 there were only 328 Cinquecentos of the 50,000-or-so sold here still taxed and in regular use – that’s a big attrition rate for a car that, especially since the Inbetweenwers TV show, has acquired something of a cult following.

This one is one of the last. Registered in October 1998, by which time Fiat was already selling its successor the Seicento, S838 KJH was acquired by the vendor last year for nostalgic reasons, as he owned one as a youth. He loves it, but with most of his mileage being on fast A-roads and motorways, the Cinq is barely being used so he’s selling it to put the proceeds towards something bigger and more comfortable, but equally retro.

It’s a lovely little car in largely original condition, and in “posh” SX trim to boot.

THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK

UK V5C
MOT July 2023
Supplied new by LC Motor Company in Gwent
First owner for 15 years
Original owner’s handbook
Book pack, audio and warranty manuals
Service book stamped to 32k
Recent invoices for work carried out and MOT repairs

THE INTERIOR

Bright and cheerful blue/red check cloth trim
Really good condition with no splits or damage to the fabric
Lovely and clean inside
“Luxury” SX trim
Electric front windows
Side-hinged rear windows
Pop-up sunroof
Original Philips radio-cassette
Striking ’waterfall’ dash in very good condition
Original Fiat toolkit and spare wheel
All dials and controls work as they should
Spotless headlining
Outer cover of one seatbelt buckle missing – does not affect use

THE EXTERIOR

Finished in the imaginatively named ‘Fiat Silver’
Great overall condition with original paint
Wheel covers repainted by previous owner
Good tyres all-round
Tiny micro-bubbles on one rear arch (see photos)
Small stone dent on nearside rear arch
All original badges and trim
Appears very good underneath
Past repairs to both rear inner wheel arches, fixed with heavier gauge steel

THE MECHANICS

899cc 4-cyl
Five-speed manual
39bhp
Amazingly perky for such a small engine – typically Fiat!
Starts and drives really well
Clutch and transmission operate as they should
No known or apparent faults with steering or braking systems
Has just been given and oil and filter service by vendor

SUMMARY

Small cars are what Fiat does best, and the Cinquecento epitomised the company at its Nineties best. The Cinquecento is a brilliant city car, perfect for urban drivers. And with ultra-low insurance groupings, it’s also the ideal first car for classic-loving youngsters, or for those who simply want something cool and retro that will cost pennies to own, keep and run.

This is the ideal car for the boom in events celebrating ordinary cars, such as the Festival of the Unexceptional, as well as being an increasingly rare cult car in its own right.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.

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