Description
A very rare 1924 Fiat 501 Spider. A car whose history is known, recorded in the Bolaffi Fiat Catalogue with serial number, year and name of the first owner, Mr Stoneham of Reading (UK). Also present is the plate of the dealer who sold it in 1924, one hundred years ago.
Most of the original components have been retained: wheel rims (original 17s present, as well as 6s already fitted), original Fiat period instrumentation, freshly polished wooden panel, original wooden frame hood, original owner's handbook (which lists the modification to the shock absorbers present here as optional), seats upholstered in horsehair and then in their original capitonné leather, original Fiat headlights, original Fiat four-cylinder engine (1460, 23hp, 70km/ h top speed).
Condition: engine and mechanical parts perfect, starts at first shot. Hood with new waterproof fabric mounted on original wooden frame, freshly restored. Original leather interior, left lived in to avoid having to replace all the leather (more expensive work but aimed at leaving the interior as it was originally and not with new fabric). Restored, reinforced, polished wooden bottoms.
Original rims separately, 17" (16" rims now fitted) Additional rear seat (mother-in-law's seat) in perfect condition (including upholstery and leather). Tyres need to be changed as they are a little worn and therefore not very reliable in use. The paintwork has this textured finish, craquelet type, probably not intended but generated by time, particular and very decorative, which makes it unique. The car is unobtainable (the only one in Italy, perhaps one of the last remaining in Europe), not to be confused with the 501 Torpedo, which is more common. It has been officially cancelled in Great Britain, it can be easily re-registered in Italy (already consulted ACI) or the original number plate can be taken back if sold in England.
I have all the original documentation to register it, it presents no difficulties. It was decided not to re-register it in Italy by choice, so as not to affect the originality of the vehicle. All the work has been carried out with passion, caring for and preserving the vehicle in its original state without rebuilding or distorting it. This makes it more precious, in its hundred years of age. The presence of the car in the Bolaffi Fiat catalogue (and not only in that, it is mentioned in several texts) makes it possible to reconstruct the history from the first owner. It is a very rare model, not to say unobtainable. The state of preservation still adds to the rarity of the car, assuming you can find a 501 Spider in Europe, you will hardly find it preserved.
It will be easier to find a car that is a hundred years old and all restored, than one like this, with its signs of time but perfect in its functionality and full of charm and flavour. I'm in love with it, I'm only selling it because of space problems.
