1970 FIAT 500L 'LUSSO'

KEY FACTS

• An excellent example of the characterful classic city car, benefitting from a full cosmetic and mechanical restoration, and presented in a charming colour scheme.
• Under the rear engine lid is the 499cc two-cylinder engine, which produces around 17bhp and is coupled to a four-speed manual transmission with synchromesh on second, third and fourth gears.
• This 500L was first registered in Italy in November 1972, and was imported into the UK and registered with the DVLA in April 2018.
• The car has since been fully restored at a total cost of £13,000, with work including a full respray, an engine and gearbox rebuild and replacement of all of the suspension components.
• The odometer displays only 623 miles, which is the distance covered by the car since this refurbishment.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• As an upscale ‘Lusso’ model, this 500 features chrome-plated bumper overriders, rectangular tail lights, ribbed vinyl seats and door panels, and a trapezoidal instrument cluster.
• Today, the car is finished with handsome dark blue paintwork with red vinyl-trimmed seats and matching red carpet.
• It rides on the correct set of 12-inch steel wheels, which have been painted in the same bright red hue as the engine, and are fitted with a set of polished hub caps.
• Modifications include the addition of synchromesh to the gearbox, as well as the car’s ‘Record Monza’ sports exhaust, Abarth alloy sump and passenger-side door mirror.
• This 500L will be supplied with its importation paperwork, as well as various invoices and photographs detailing its restoration.

CONDITION

• No known prior bodywork damage.
• Having been fully resprayed at a total cost of £7,000, the dark blue paintwork is in superb order around the whole car, with a smooth, glossy appearance.
• Inside, the seats have been re-trimmed in red vinyl with black piping and are in great shape, as is the replacement carpet.
• The interior trim also presents very well indeed, with a charming light ‘patina’ on the steering wheel and handbrake lever.
• There are no known electrical or mechanical faults.
• While it is exempt due to its age, the car’s last MOT test was conducted on 2 April 2019 at an indicated 48,579km, resulting in a clean, first-time pass.

SERVICE HISTORY

• This 500’s most recent routine maintenance was carried out in July 2021 by Italian car specialist Mario Auto Repairs, who replaced the engine fan and renewed some of the car’s wiring.
• Prior to this, the car’s mechanical components were renewed or replaced in October 2018 by classic Fiat specialist Autobella. This included rebuilding of the engine and gearbox, as well as the fitment of a new Weber carburettor, replacement of the shock absorbers and springs, and renewal of the front and rear brake drums and cylinders, among other items.

SUMMARY

This Fiat 500 ‘Lusso’ is a superb example of the Italian icon. Evidently restored to a very high standard, this charming runaround will undoubtedly attract admiration wherever it goes, especially with its upgraded exhaust system, and is ready to be driven and enjoyed immediately.

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