1973 | FIAT 500 R

Possibly one of the most iconic of all Italian cars and universally recognised, the Fiat 500 was launched in 1957. Needing to be affordable, economical and practical for its home market, the car was minimalist in all respects – size (under 10 feet long, yet seating 4); performance (a tiny 2-cylinder, 500 cc engine mounted in the rear and providing just 13 bhp) and fittings (fabric roof; metal dashboard). It was an immediate hit and had a production run of 18 years, up until 1975 with a little over 3.8 million made. In addition to the 2-door saloon variant there was a 3-door panel van, the Furgoncino and an estate car, the Giardiniera.

As might be expected, the car evolved throughout its production life but retained an almost identical appearance to the first model. Through 500D, 500F, 500L and 500R designations the engine grew in size (but not a lot); the interior fittings improved, as did some of the body style (most notably the move away from rear-hinged, ‘suicide’ doors to more conventional front-hinged doors).

The final offering, the 500R - or Rinnovata, ‘renewed’ model - as offered here, was fitted with the largest engine option - 594 cc, rated at 23 bhp, also fitted to the later Fiat 126 which replaced the 500. It had the most luxurious interior (relatively speaking) taken from the 500L or Lusso model but retained the original-style painted metal dashboard and simple chrome bumpers from the base 500F model. As such, it possibly provides the best of all worlds – the torquiest motor with the most comfortable accommodation.

This car was built in 1973 and first registered in its home market of Italy. It was fully rebuilt and restored in 2007/08 in Italy and was later purchased by a UK specialist importer and re-registered in the UK in March 2016. Sold to a new owner who collected Fiat 500s, the car was little used and kept carefully garaged in a Carcoon. The vehicle was briefly in the hands of a second owner before being recently acquired by Le Riche Automobile.

Following restoration and import to the UK, the car has been serviced and maintained in storage. In our hands, it has received work to the braking system and clutch in order to keep it in fine driving order. The (slightly) larger 600 cc engine is quite perky and the car drives very well.

The body of the 500 is in first class condition throughout, reflecting relatively little use since the earlier restoration work. We have a few photos showing the thoroughness of the rebuild. The folding hood is in excellent shape, as is the chromework and car badging. A period rear-mounted luggage rack is fitted together with wicker carrying basket.

There’s not a lot to the interior, but what there is is in very good condition – clearly having received attention as part of the restoration process. Rubber floor mats are fitted and there is just a speedometer - no fuel gauge on this model, although there is a low fuel warning light.

Offered here is a very fine, late model Fiat 500, previously restored to a high standard. It is complete in every respect and ready to be used by a new owner, looking for a charming and charismatic mode of transport. 

The car is accompanied by an Automotoclub Storico Italiano identity certificate - issued in 2008 by the government-recognized body for Italian car clubs.

The Fiat is UK registered and currently located in Dorset, where viewing can be arranged by appointment.