1971 | FIAT 500 F

Highlights:

• Freshly restored
• ‘Gucci Edition’ interpretation

Brand & model history

A compact body of just under three metres in length, independent suspension and an average fuel consumption of just 4.5 litres of petrol per 100 kilometres: these features could belong to a modern, economical small car. However, they actually describe the Fiat Nuova 500, which was first presented over 60 years ago. The cute, rounded body with the childlike facial expression and the cheerfully rattling, fan-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke engine in the rear give the Italo-Mini its unmistakable character. Its successor, the angular Fiat 126, did not arrive until 1972, but the 500 continued to be produced in parallel until 1977. From autumn 1957, Fiat sold a total of 3.7 million units of this cult car. Like the hit song ‘Volare’ by Domenico Modugno, which was created at the same time as the Fiat 500, the bestseller became a symbol of Italy and the Mediterranean lifestyle of the Azzurri. The icon that technician Dante Giacosa created with the charming design of the two-door car was revealed on the 50th anniversary of the model series in 2007: Fiat presented the still current 500 in retro design, based on the technology of the Panda. The 500 had already made an appearance in the Disney animated film ‘Cars’ as racing mechanic Luigi. It is not known whether the name Luigi was deliberately chosen in memory of the test driver Luigi Vestidello, who died in an accident while testing a prototype.

Condition:

This FIAT500 F was professionally restored about 8 months ago. The car was completely dismantled and rebuilt from scratch. Imperfect body parts were either replaced with new or original ones. Gaskets, chrome parts, lights and bonnet were also replaced.

The mechanics were completely overhauled. The new owner still has to run the car in, as it has only been driven 300 kilometres since the restoration.

The interior has been completely redesigned and interpreted as a Gucci Edition. A trend that FIAT has taken up with special editions of Riva, Diesel and even Maserati and Ferrari.

Overall, the car is in new car condition.

Market categorisation:

Compared to other small cars of its time, such as the VW Beetle or the Mini, the Fiat 500 scored points with its compactness and manoeuvrability, which made it ideal for urban traffic, especially in Italy. Its simple, air-cooled two-cylinder engine was robust and frugal, making the 500 an affordable vehicle for broad sections of the population.

Even today, the Fiat 500 F enjoys cult status. It is extremely popular with collectors and classic car enthusiasts and its value on the classic car market is constantly increasing. The Fiat 500 not only symbolises a certain era of automotive history, but also a piece of Italian lifestyle. Prices for good Fiat 500s start at 10,000.

Summary:

This 1971 Fiat 500 F Berlina is a beautiful interpretation of what a Gucci special series might have looked like back then. Restored from the ground up, it is now waiting for its new driver.