1967 FIAT 500 F

This Fiat 500 F is a useable, low-ownership example of the charming city car, benefiting from a recent restoration. Originally featuring a 479cc two-cylinder air-cooled engine, it has been upgraded to a 594cc motor, marshalled via a four-speed manual gearbox. The odometer indicates 54,130 miles from new.

First registered on 18 September 1967, this UK-market 500 F has had only two owners from new, and was originally imported by concessionaire Jack Barclay of Mayfair, London – with the original sticker still present in the rear window. The current vendor has enjoyed and owned the car for eight years, and is only selling due to a relocation overseas. Early in his ownership, the car was professionally restored by Italian car specialist Proietti of London.

This 500 F presents handsomely in gloss white, having been resprayed during its restoration seven years ago. A previous panel repair near the front was also noted during this work, and its original factory colour is believed to have been beige. The paint is in good condition, with minor blemishes above the headlights and stone chipping to the front panel and number plate. Minor bubbles are apparent under the passenger door, and some corrosion is visible on the inside of the driver’s door.

Chrome brightwork including the window frames, quarter lights and bumpers are in good order, though the chrome door handles show signs of pitting. The Fiat steel wheels and chrome hubcaps are in excellent and complete order, completing the 1960s aesthetic.

A lesson in spartan utility, the 500 F’s interior is minimalist yet stylish. Tan vinyl door cards are paired with tan seat upholstery, which is in generally very good order. The front passenger seat does have some damage to the stitching on the front passenger seat, while a small part of the footwell material has become unstuck.

The highlight of the interior is the original, factory-fit sunroof. This is manually-operated and in excellent order, fitting tightly to the roof once closed. Normally a magnet for scratches, the original painted metal dashboard is free of any notable damage, with all switches operational.

This classic city car has undergone considerable maintenance throughout its life, with its last service carried out on 29 April 2019 at 53,601 miles. The wiper blades were replaced, along with new brake fluid, and replacement of the rear wheel brake cylinder.

Prior to this, the brake pad clips were replaced and the gearbox oil topped up. A king pin repair was also undertaken once the driveshaft was removed. This work was carried out on in May 2018.

As previously mentioned, the car was restored in 2013 with a number of improvements added. This included a synchromesh for easier gearchanges, electronic ignition with an uprated carburettor, larger brake discs and the uprated 594cc engine.

The most recent MOT test was on 29 April 2019 at 53,601 miles. This resulted in a pass with no advisories, with the next MOT not due until 7 November 2020 due to the COVID-19 extension. Due to the car’s age, it is exempt from the road fund licence, making for cost-effective classic motoring. The tyres were last replaced in 2013, and the seller reports these to have ample tread remaining.

This diminutive icon is offered for sale with its Fiat handbooks, one original set of keys, a collection of historical MOTs, as well as a copy of a 1972 newspaper page featuring the car in a photograph. A copy of the Fiat 500 club magazine from 1995 is included, as well as a remarkable record book kept by the first owner, detailing the running costs and mileage between 1968 and 1996.

Combining mechanical simplicity and timeless Italian style, this iconic Cinquecento is a low-ownership, well-documented example of the breed. It is a turn-key car ready to be enjoyed by its next owner on weekends and holidays, or to be put into use as a quirky and entertaining daily driver.

All 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.