1971 FIAT 500L 'LUSSO'

This 1971 Fiat 500L is a charming Italian classic that is presented in superb cosmetic and mechanical condition throughout. It is powered by a 499cc 18hp engine, coupled to a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer indicates just 21,208 miles from new.

Being the high-spec ‘Lusso’ model, this 500 features the chrome bumper overriders at the front and rear, rectangular tail lights, horizontal Veglia instrument binnacle, and ribbed vinyl seats and door panels. It also has the front-hinged doors of the 500F model, as well as the half-length canvas roof.

An original UK-market car, this 500L was first registered in October 1971. There are 10 previous registered keepers on the log book, which is certainly not unusual for such a collectable and popular Italian classic. In 2003, the little Fiat appeared in a segment of the BBC’s Top Gear TV programme hosted by Nick Mason, who proposed that the 500 was “the greatest car in the world”. The seller acquired the car around two years ago.

Today, it’s bodywork presents in very good order, with impressive shut lines around the whole car. It is finished in the period-perfect hue of Giallo Positano, and the paint is in superb condition. All of the exterior chrome has a highly polished shine, and the light lenses, body trims and badges are all complete and undamaged. The smart chrome luggage rack was fitted in 2019.

The folding canvas roof is in great shape, with only some very minor fraying of the stitching and some discolouration towards the front. Its fog lights have been upgraded to more powerful items, but the original units are boxed and come with the car. It rides on a set of 12-inch ‘Lesmo’ alloy wheels, which are in very good order.

Inside, the black vinyl upholstery presents very well throughout, and is believed to be original. The carpeting is in good condition, and the headlining of the folding roof is undamaged. The two-spoke steering wheel and black gear knob both appear to be original and show only minor wear, and the dashboard is free of cracks. There are no known faults with any of the switchgear, and what limited electrical items are present all work as they should.

The car is presented in good mechanical order, having been routinely serviced by the seller in 2018 at approximately 21,000 miles. He reports that since then it has required only basic maintenance, and in 2019 had a new ignition coil and fuel pump fitted.

Prior to the seller’s ownership, a refurbished distributor was installed in 2017, along with new HT ignition leads, carburettor gaskets and an air filter. Two years earlier, the front brakes were converted to discs. In 2011, there was an overhaul of the driveline, with new wheel bearings all round, a rebuild of the rear driveshafts and couplings, and a rebuild of the kingpins. An electronic ignition system was also fitted.

Its last MOT test was on 1 July 2019 at 21,198 miles, when it achieved a first-time pass with no advisories. Due to the six-month extension, it does not require another inspection until 30 December 2020. The 145/70 R12 tyres were fitted in 2017 and remain in very good condition, with around 80% of their original tread.

This Fiat 500L is a low-mileage example in a superb colour combination, and is presented in excellent condition. As a rarer right-hand-drive example rather than a later import, it represents a more straightforward ownership proposition for most buyers, and remains in highly original order. It drives smartly and looks superb, so will undoubtedly delight its next owner with its enviable style and character.

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.

Car Overview

  • 21,208 miles
  • manual
  • RHD
  • Giallo Positano
  • Black
  • 499 cc


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Lot Overview

  • Lot #00899
  • trade Sale
  • Beverley, East Yorkshire, United Kingdom

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