Description
We have taken a deposit on this lovely little Fiat. Similar cars urgently required.
The Fiat 500 launched as the Nuova (new) 500 in July 1957 as a successor to the 500 "Topolino", is an inexpensive and practical small car designed to provide low cost, practical family transport to a wider population something it excelled in doing with a degree of fun and character that raised it above being just an economy means of transport into a style icon. In 1959, Dante Giacosa the cars designer received a Compasso d'Oro industrial design prize for the Fiat 500. It was the first time it was awarded to the automotive industry. The Fiat 500 remained in production from 1957 to 1975.
This Fiat 500 is a late 1972 car, first registered on 01 December 1972, so a 500L or Lusso which means it has the rectangular instrument cluster and is fitted with such luxuries as a fuel gauge, when earlier versions had to make do with a warning light.
This Fiat 500L was bought by AutoToy of London from its first family owners and they proceeded to carry out a full restoration, keeping the original colour but fitting a 650cc engine and gearbox from a Fiat 126 to make it more usable with the benefit of more power and torque and a full synchromesh gearbox. On completion of the restoration the little Fiat was bought by its current owner in July 1998 and became part of the family being used as wedding transport for family weddings and well as long trips as far as Cornwall. The V5C Registration Document shows just 2 previous owners. Having not been used much in the last five years, the previous MOT expired in 2016, the owner has decided it’s time to let a new family enjoy the Fiat and give it the use it needs.
The Fiat has a current MOT, although this is not required, which expires in July 2022 and has been re-commissioned to return it to road worthy condition. The recommissioning has included;
• Full brake system re-build with new wheel cylinders and some brake pipes
• New choke cable correctly set up
• Full service with new engine and gearbox oil
• Replaced Rocker cover gasket
• Re-build carburetors including repairing the float
• New battery
The history file with the Fiat includes loads of old MOT certificates, tax discs, invoices for work carried out and the original Fiat Service book from 1972. It also includes a letter between the owner and AutoToy from June 1998.
Structurally the Fiat is very sound as pictures of the underside confirm and support that it has been well looked after and garaged since its re-build. The car comes with a car cover and seat belts to fit to the rear seats.
The little Fiat is more fun to drive than its power suggests and it easily keeps up with modern traffic while emitting that lovely sowing machine chatter from the engine. The best part is the positive reactions from other road users.
These Fiats are rare in RHD and this is an exceptionally nice example with a lovely history in a great colour combination with a lovely patina. It would make a great addition to any family.
