1963 FIAT 500 TRANSFORMABLE

This 1963 Fiat 500 Transformable is a charming classic Italian city car, which has been cosmetically and mechanically restored in both Italy and the UK, and is now presented in smart overall condition. It is powered by a rear-mounted 499cc two-cylinder engine, which is mated to a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer indicates 81,942km.

First registered in Italy in March 1963, this left-hand drive ‘Cinquecento’ was located in the southern city of Lecce, and in more recent years had its bodywork and interior restored there in 2016 before it was exported to the UK in mid-2019.s

It was then re-registered with the DVLA in August 2019 by Signature Automobiles, who overhauled a number of the car’s mechanical components prior to its sale to the current owner. They have since driven it sparingly in fair weather, and are now offering it for sale to an enthusiast who can enjoy it on the road as often as possible.

The bodywork presents in good order, and is not believed to have suffered from any accident damage, and the period-correct Verde Chiaro paintwork is very smart, having been resprayed during the car’s restoration in Italy in 2016. There are, however, some small blemishes and small patches of corrosion, including a touched-in stone chip on the top of the bonnet, some minor repainted repairs on the underside lip of the bonnet lid, and a small area of bubbling to the paintwork on the driver’s side roof gutter.

While the car was originally imported with its Italian front number plate mount in place, this has since been removed, however the mounting holes have been left in the bodywork should the next owner wish to refit it for originality’s sake. In addition, wing mirrors have been fitted on both sides of the vehicle for enhanced visibility, and a picnic basket and rack have been added at the rear, making this 500 ideal for summer day-trips. The seller also notes that the bumpers and front badge have been replaced.

The Transformable’s signature convertible hood has also been replaced with a tan vinyl item, which suits the car well, and is free of any rips or tears. The car sits on a set of period-correct 12-inch steel wheels with polished hub caps and white tyre trims, which replicate the look of traditional white-wall tyres. All four wheels are in great shape, with no significant scratches, blemishes or corrosion.

Inside, the cabin has been fully reupholstered in charming tan vinyl, which matches the convertible hood and presents very well indeed. The vendor states that there are some minor marks, including a small blemish on the driver’s seat back and some slight discolouration to the cream vinyl at the tops of the front seats, plus some small marks on the inner face of the vinyl roof; however, these hardly detract from what is a well-presented interior.

Elsewhere, this delightful classic has the sort of pleasing light patina that can only be created by many decades of use. While the original steering wheel has a small split and the factory-fitted window rubber seals are showing signs of their age, these items could be easily replaced in due course.

Occupant safety is enhanced by a set of front and rear seatbelts, which have been retrofitted to the car. Although its interior equipment is somewhat limited, this 500’s few switches and electrical items work without fault.

Thanks to its straightforward, uncomplicated design and a relatively recent restoration, this diminutive city car’s mechanical components remain in good order. While the seller has misplaced its service documents, they estimate that the car’s last routine maintenance was carried out by a local mechanic in March or April 2020 at around 81,500km. During the service, the carburettor was cleaned and tuned, the spark plugs, rotor arm and ignition leads were replaced, the timing was adjusted, and a new choke cable was fitted.

In addition, when this 500 entered the UK in August 2019, its brakes and clutch were fully overhauled and the petrol tank has been flushed and painted. The exhaust system was also replaced and the steering system was adjusted. Furthermore, a new Varta battery was fitted, and the air and fuel filters were replaced, along with the engine oil.

Although it is exempt from mandatory testing due to its age, this 500’s last MOT test was conducted on 25 June 2019 at 81,399km, resulting in a clean, first-time pass. The seller states that all four tyres were replaced in 2016 at approximately 76,000km and that they have a good amount of tread remaining

The car will be accompanied by its original Italian libretto and photographs of its 2016 restoration, as well as its original tool kit/warning triangle, jack and spare tyre. Also included is a fitted all-weather car cover.

Guaranteed to bring a smile to the face of anyone who encounters it, this Fiat 500 Transformable is a characterful Italian icon, which is sure to delight its next owner, and is perhaps the ideal classic for a budding mechanic, should they wish to get hands-on with its maintenance in the years to come.

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All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.