1971 FIAT 500L

KEY FACTS

• A charming example of Fiat’s diminutive city car, in excellent overall condition.
• Under the rear-mounted engine cover is a 499cc two-cylinder engine producing around 18bhp, powering the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission.
• Originally registered in Italy in 1971, this left-hand drive, rust-free 500L was imported to the UK in June 2016 and has only had two registered keepers since.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• Being the ‘Lusso’ variant, this Fiat 500 has chrome bumper overriders to the front and wraparound versions to the rear, as well as ribbed vinyl seats and door cards.
• Furthermore, the car is equipped with a higher grade of floor covering, and with the fuel gauge inset into the larger Veglia instrument cluster. It also has the roll-back fabric roof, which is in good order.
• Finished in Rosso Corallo (Coral Red), the car is fitted with a chromed rear rack, upon which a wicker picnic hamper is mounted.
• The current keeper has replaced the original leaf-spring front suspension for a Ricambio independent coil-over system. This includes a lightweight alloy front subframe, rose-jointed wishbones and adjustable gas coil-overs, providing superior ride comfort and roadholding. There is also up to 70mm of height adjustment available, and it is currently set to the standard height.
• The car has had modern soundproofing fitted under its replacement carpet, reducing engine and road noise.
• This 500L comes with its V5, MOT certificate and a Haynes manual, as well as what is believed to be its original tools.
• It is also accompanied by a breathable car cover and storage bag.

CONDITION

• There is no known bodywork damage. The car has had a complete respray in the past, although the current keeper is unsure when this took place.
• Overall, the paintwork is in good condition and exhibits a deep shine. There are some small blemishes around the vehicle, as is to be expected, and some minor cracking appearing at the base of the pillars where the panels join. There is also some surface ‘patina’ to the brightwork on the overriders.
• The mirrors, wing indicators, chrome number plate lights and window rubbers have been replaced.
• The black vinyl interior is in excellent condition and presents superbly following replacement of the carpet, roof fabric, seat covers, door cards, upgraded door handles and window winders.
• There are no known faults, whether mechanical or electrical. The car starts hot or cold with no blue smoke or rattling present, and the original gearbox engages well.
• The most recent MOT test was in July 2021 at 8,531 km (recorded as miles, but the car has a speedometer and odometer registering in kilometres). It passed first time and with no advisories. It also passed first time and with no advisories in 2017 and 2016. However, due to its age, the car is exempt from mandatory MOT testing.

SERVICE HISTORY

• The car was most recently serviced at its current 8,600 km by the present keeper, who renewed its engine oil and filter.
• Prior to this, it was serviced every year by the previous UK owner following importation.
• During the current keeper’s tenure, the car has had an electronic ignition system fitted, as well as an electric fuel pump and new filter.
• Valve clearances have also been checked and set, along with a new engine mount, spring and bushes, new exhaust system and manifold, and new air ducting pipework.
• All four drum brakes have been serviced.
• The car benefits from new brake fluid and reservoir, new fuel tank with stainless steel straps, various new bushes, a new windscreen washer fluid bag, new battery, and four new Cinturato tyres in the correct size.

SUMMARY

Well maintained and sympathetically upgraded, this delightful Fiat 500 ‘Lusso’ is a superb example of a beloved city car. Whether it is destined to join a collection of Italian classics, or to be a fun urban daily driver, this iconic ‘Cinquecento’ is sure to delight its next owner.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

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.