1967 FIAT 500 F

A charming classic packed with character, this left-hand drive Fiat 500 F is a fully restored example in a vibrant colour. Fitted with a 499cc two-cylinder air-cooled engine, the owner reports that the gearbox has been swapped for a four-speed synchronised transmission. The odometer shows 7,614 kilometres, though the true mileage is not known.

Considered one of the first purpose-built city cars, it was well received as an inexpensive and practical option. A dating letter from Fiat UK confirms it was built in June 1967, and it is believed to have resided in Italy until it was exported to the UK four years ago. The DVLA record shows its first registration on these shores then followed in October 2018, with the seller being the sole keeper on the log book. Since then, it has been treated to a £16,000 restoration.

The seller notes that the exterior has been repainted in its original striking blue colour, and is now in superb condition for a car of its age. It has a glossy shine around the panels, and the badging and exterior trim is all present and correct. The light lenses are undamaged, and the chrome work all looks to be in excellent order.

The interior has also been completely re-trimmed in red vinyl, with cream top panels for the front seats, and cream piping – again, the seller states this is per the original colour scheme. All the cabin switchgear and features are in good working order, and the steering wheel and speedometer are the original restored Bakelite items rather than the cheaper plastic of later models. The door furniture is also correct to the original specifications.

Above the occupants is the canvas roof that folds back to provide welcome ventilation for the cabin, particularly useful given the lack of any mechanical cooling, let alone anything as modern or complex as air-conditioning. The rear bench seat can accommodate two small adults in a pinch, and the interior has the correct style of ribbed rubber matting throughout.

The last service of the Fiat 500 F was at 7,373 kilometres in July 2020 when a routine service was carried out. The owner also states that the engine has been completely rebuilt by Ward Engineering in Rugby as part of the nut-and-bolt restoration, and the car is reported to be in fine mechanical health. All parts for the work were supplied by classic Fiat 500 specialist Moto Bambino in Lancashire.

All 125SR12 Pirelli Cinturato CN54 tyres are brand new and a spare is also present. These are the original specification tyres that the Fiat 500 F would have left the factory with – even the tread remains the same as the original. While there are no books or prior service history with the car, it does have a full 1960s Fiat tool kit.

Destined to delight, this Fiat 500 F will undoubtedly provide hours of pleasure for the new owner as they wind down windows, fold open the fabric roof panel, and take to the open road. A handsome and iconic classic that remains true to its 1960s style, this is a charming vehicle that will attract admiring glances from onlookers of all ages.

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.