1969 FIAT 500 F

This Fiat 500 F presents as a remarkably original example with exceptionally low indicated mileage, fresh from a sympathetic cosmetic restoration and full engine rebuild. It is powered by a 499cc air-cooled two-cylinder engine, coupled to a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer indicates 427 km, and while there is no evidence to prove this, there is a letter in the file from the previous owner attesting to its accuracy.

It is an original Italian-registered Cinquecento, with the plates on the car indicating that it resided in Palermo, Sicily. The car was sold at auction five years ago, reportedly by its second owner, who had purchased it from a collector who had kept the car in a dehumidified garage for more than 40 years. It has been driven sparingly since then. It is now offered for sale by the trade.

Today, the bodywork and paint are presented in excellent condition. Evidently refurbished on account of age, the white finish looks fairly recent, and has been completed to a good standard, with a glossy shine across the panels. The chrome fixtures and fittings are also in great shape, presenting with a mirror shine, and the hubcaps over the steel wheels are all in superb order.

Inside, the black vinyl upholstery has almost certainly been renewed, as it presents with no tears or splits, nor discolouration. The interior details appear to be entirely correct, including the metal door releases and window winders, and the black plastic grab handles. There is no damage to the elegant two-spoke steering wheel, and the painted dashboard also presents very well indeed.

As part of its recent restoration, the car received a full engine rebuild, including new crankcases, and the seller states that it starts and runs faultlessly today. The gearbox is also said to be in very good order, with no crunches or concerning noises. Within the last five months, the front shock absorbers have been renewed with Ricambio-sourced items, and the steering wheels have also been refurbished.

The car has not yet been UK registered, but would be exempt from annual MOT testing on the basis of age, making for low-cost classic motoring around town or further afield. It is accompanied by the original jack and tools, registration documents from Italy, and the aforementioned warranty of mileage from the person who sold the car in 2015.

This Fiat 500 F presents in remarkably restored condition, but is understood to be a genuine very low-mileage example. With just two owners in Italy before its subsequent arrival in the UK, this car could of course remain off the road on its Palermo plates as a stunning car for a private collection. However, its strong mechanical condition means the little Fiat is begging to be road-registered in the UK, ready to introduce its next owner to what must be the closest thing to a brand-new classic Cinquecento.

As this car is not UK-registered, there will be no DVLA data available, so it has not been run through Collecting Cars’ standard online HPI check process.