Description
A great example of the car that got Italy on the road, the Fiat 600. This is the later, more powerful and refined D version from 1967. This was may daily driver in Italy for two years and was great fun. Coming from an inland central Italian region it has remained in great overall condition
Exterior;
The paint is classic Fiat white, overall I would describe it as good. There are the odd car park ding and there a couple of places where local repairs have been made and the match is not quite perfect. It would probably benefit from a good machine polish, There are wear related marks around the door and boot shuts. There some small cracks in the paint around the trailing edges of the rear wheel arches but nothing serious. The car benefits from the Italian equivalent of a wax anti rust treatment which has certainly contributed to the overall condition. This wax treatment can be seen at the joints and shuts on the bodyshell.
Interior;
The interior is a wonderfully period red with white accents. The front and rear seats have been recovered in period correct materials and a new red carpet has been fitted. The door cards are original and in good condition. The luggage area behind the fold down rear seat has it’s original patterned red covering. The car will come complete with a fantastic period suitcase carrying many stickers of its owners adventures.
Engine;
In my ownership I have rebuilt the carburettor and starter motor and fitted a reconditioned radiator and a new pressure cap. The engine seems quite healthy and is more than powerful enough to move this lightweight car along with modern traffic. As the D model this starts via an ignition key rather than by pulling a lever
Gearbox & mechanics;
No issues with the four speed gearbox, new dampers have been fitted all round.
Electrics
All good
Tyres & Wheels
All four tyres have plenty of tread remaining and the wheels are fitted with chromed Fiat hubcaps in excellent condition.
Underside
No obvious issues. The inner wheel arches are clean and tidy. The floor pans appear solid and the front protection panel for the suspension and steering is in good condition.
Documentation;
The car is fully UK registered and comes complete with the original blue Italian ‘Libretto’ registration which is usually missing. There is a printed copy of the owners handbook.
Summary;
The car drives delightfully with that eagerness found in small Italian cars, the handling is sharp and the engine and gearbox work well. I used this as my daily car in Italy and it was always great fun. There is a surprising amount of space inside and the luggage compartment under the front ‘bonnet’ It is in a lovely ‘useable’ condition. A lovely fun car with classic Italian brio. Plenty of space and able to navigate modern traffic make this an ideal every day classic.