Description
This is absolutely charming. Presented in stunning Turquoise Blue with newly fitted Red and White interior, this fabulous little 500 has just arrived and has already generated considerable interest with all who have had the pleasure of a quick spin. Imported from Italy in 2021 and the subject of recent restoration and a full overhaul of the braking system, the Fiat not only looks the part, but starts and drives beautifully. As a big fan of anything air-cooled, I have owned many classic 500`s over the years and value for money, this is one of the best. Come and see for yourself.
Introduced in July 1957 as direct successor to the 500C Topolino, the Nuovo 500 was an inexpensive yet practical family car aimed at being small enough to navigate the narrow and often overcrowded streets of Italian towns and cities. With just 479cc, the diminutive rear-mounted 2-cylinder engine produced 13BHP with the first generation Nuovo featuring front-opening suicide doors and a full-size roll back fabric roof. In 1960, the Nuovo was replaced by the 500D being virtually identical but with marginally more power at 17BHP and smaller opening roof. In the same year, the saloon was joined by an estate variant, the Giardiniera, and a small panel van, the Furgoncino. By 1965, suicide doors now falling out of favour, Fiat introduced the 500F with front-hinged doors and a luxury version, the Lusso or 500L, featuring more chrome and an updated interior. Both models ran on until 1972 when the 500R was introduced as effectively a stop-gap model with the all-new 126 now commanding greater market share. Production of the 500 ended in 1975.
Our stunning 500F dates from 1967 and was imported into the UK in early 2021, being first registered here in March that year. Whilst we know very little of it`s history prior to importation, it has evidently benefitted from much recent investment by it`s first and only UK registered keeper in North Wiltshire. This has included the restoration of the underside, complete overhaul of braking system, the fitting of a new Red and White vinyl interior and general servicing. Since acquiring the car, we have had to do little but polish and enjoy it.
Hopefully the photographs tell the story here. From general condition of both body panels and paintwork, it would seem evident that it has been restored within recent years and other than a few age-related blemishes, presents extremely well. Chrome bumpers would seem newly replaced, steel wheels freshly painted and shod with almost brand-new tyres and all external trim including the fabric sunroof is in excellent order. Inside, new Red and White vinyl seat covers and Red door cards are virtually as-new whilst floors benefit from the factory-fitted rubber matting. The little car starts on first pull and settles down quickly off-choke to a gentle idle with that ever-distinctive “tick tick” from the rear-mounted 2-pot. Select 1st and it pulls away swiftly with `box changes coming quickly and smoothly. Never intended to be a racing car, the 500 builds speed steadily and will happily cruise at 35-40MPH whilst feeling steady and very positive. Excellent brakes enhance the overall experience. On a rather cloudy August morning, I took the Fiat out for a run across the West Dorset Downs and enjoyed every second. Driving a classic 500 isn`t about speed - more about both a way and pace of life better suited to pottering around the Tuscan countryside on a sultry summer`s evening.
The Fiat comes with a current V5C and is naturally both MoT and road-tax exempt.
An iconic yet diminutive classic with a big personality always bound to bring a smile.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
