1969 Fiat 500F

• The F is a real sweet-point for the classic Fiat 500 – old style badges, round binnacle, body-coloured dashboard and bags of character
• Exceptional example with remarkably low indicated mileage, fresh from a sympathetic cosmetic restoration and full engine rebuild
• The car was sold by Bonhams 5 years ago, reportedly by its second owner, who had purchased it from a collector who had kept the car in a dehumidified garage for more than 40 years. It has been driven sparingly since then; now being sold from another privateer owner
• As part of its recent restoration, the car received a full engine rebuild, including new crankcases, and our vendor says that it starts and runs flawlessly today

Apart from a Ferrari, no car is more recognisable as classically Italian than the FIAT 500. Replacement for FIAT's much-loved 500 'Topolino', the ‘Nuova’ 500 debuted in 1957. A radical departure from its predecessor's essentially pre-war design, FIAT's new baby featured unitary construction, an opening fabric roof and all-independent suspension while carrying its engine at the rear. The 479cc power unit was an air-cooled, overhead-valve twin and the gearbox a four-speeder.

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in 1960, the succeeding 500D used the 499.5cc engine of the 500 Sport in de-tuned form whilst, in 1965, that was superseded by the 500F, the latter's altered bodywork incorporating front-hinged doors and a shortened sunroof, whilst mechanical improvements included a strengthened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. The 500 remains as popular today as it ever was, and only a few years ago was voted 'Sexiest Car' by the readers of Top Gear magazine.

The car presented here is a 1969 Fiat 500F powered by the correct 499cc engine, married to a four-speed gearbox that has benefited from a recent aesthetic restoration and complete engine rebuild. It’s an outstanding example with remarkably low indicated mileage, the odometer nudging 430 kilometres, and whilst there is verification of this, there is additionally, correspondence in the accompanying history file from the previous owner supporting its accuracy.

This splendid little car was originally Italian-registered, with the registration plates on the car suggesting that it enjoyed an earlier life in Palermo, Sicily. The car was sold by Bonhams five years ago, supposedly by its second owner, who had acquired it from a collector who had stored the car in a dry and well-insulated garage for more than 40 years. It has been driven only occasionally since then and is now offered for sale by a real classic car enthusiast.

Today, this little 500 presents in superb condition. Only restored due to age no doubt, the white paintwork looks fresh and bright, and has been finished to a very good standard, the chrome and brightwork gleam in the sunshine, as do the hubcaps on the steel wheels. Inside, the black vinyl upholstery has most likely also been restored (but who knows, given the indicated mileage), and again appears in great condition. The interior benefits from appearing to be completely period/model-correct, with the stylish two-spoke steering wheel, round binnacle, and painted dashboard, all stand-out features of an F, in fine order.

As part of the aforementioned restoration, the car benefited from a full engine rebuild, including new crankcases, and our vendor says that it performs flawlessly today, as does the gearbox operating smoothly with no concerning noises. Within the last six months, the front shock absorbers have been replaced with Ricambio items, and the front wheels have also been renewed.

The car has not yet been UK registered, being sold from a small collection and used only on a private UK estate, but it’s a straightforward process, allowing it to be enjoyed around town and on country roads, where these little cars always surprise with their eagerness and ability to cover the miles. It’s supplied with its original jack and tools, registration documents from Italy, and the written reassurance of mileage from the person who sold the car in 2015.

This super Fiat 500F presents in fantastic, restored condition but is believed to be a genuine very low-mileage example. With just two owners in Italy before its arrival in the UK, this car would happily grace any collection, however, its sheer mechanical fitness means it deserves to be road-registered and fully enjoyed and shown off to admirers, no other car raises as many smiles. Not to be missed, this really is as near to a ‘new’ classic 500 as you are likely to find.