1968 FIAT 500F

Please note the bonnet cable has stretched and will need to be replaced/repaired by the new owner.

The austerity of the basic 500, was known as the 'Economica', was not well received initially, prompting the swift introduction of a revised and better-equipped model which first appeared towards the end of 1957 at the Turin Show. Refinements incorporated in this less spartan version included wind-down windows, an upholstered rear seat, column-mounted switch-gear stalks and hubcaps. Introduced in 1960, the succeeding 500D used the 499.5cc engine of the 500 Sport in de-tuned form whilst, in 1965, that was superseded by the 500F. The latter's altered bodywork incorporating front-hinged doors and a shortened sunroof, whilst mechanical improvements included a strengthened transmission. Maximum power increased to 22bhp and the top speed to within a whisker of 60mph. An immense success for FIAT, almost 3,000,000 of these adorable little cars had been sold when production ceased in 1975.

On offer here is a delightful Fiat 500F, finished in Aquamarine with a period-correct, red and cream interior. WGU 476F was purchased in 2017 after having had the bodywork refreshed but still in need of a little TLC to bring it up to the next level. With that in mind, a schedule of works was embarked upon which included a full mechanical overhaul, including the sensible decision to fit an all-synchromesh gearbox together with a full suspension strip and rebuild with all components refreshed or renewed as required. With the focus on keeping as close to the factory-specification as possible, the interior was correctly retrimmed, including the ribbed rubber matting, alongside a new folding roof and even the tool kit received careful consideration, such has been the attention to detail.

Accompanying this outstanding Fiat is a comprehensive history file including an original Italian handbook, a workshop manual and factory parts catalogue, various invoices and some rare factory advertising material. Delightfully presented and offering a much-improved driving experience, this is one Cinquecento that would be happy within any collection, or being used as intended, as a fun urban run-around.

Acquired by our vendor around 12-months ago on a whim and little-used since, a change in circumstances and a lack of space means it returns to the market on offer at No Reserve, which may well make it the bargain of the day.