1972 Fiat 500L - Formerly the Personal Car of Samantha Cameron

The Fiat 500 was produced by Fiat S.p.A (Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino) between 1957 and 1975 and was designed by Dante Giacosa. Despite its diminutive size, the '500' proved to be an enormously practical and popular vehicle throughout Europe and it captured the hearts and minds of the public until production ended in 1975.

Launched as the Nuova (new) 500 in July 1957, it was marketed as a cheap and practical town car. Measuring only 3 metres long, and originally powered by a 479 cc two-cylinder, air-cooled engine, the 500 redefined the term "small car" and it is considered to be one of the first 'city cars'. The 'L' or Lusso penultimate model, like the car offered here today, was produced between 1968 and 1972. It featured a much-modernised interior including a renewed dashboard which brought the Fiat 500 up to date. Greater comfort and style were provided in this new model for a new generation, and the engine benefitted from a capacity upgrade to 499cc.

This particular Fiat 500L was registered 'DUE 662K' on 20th August 1971 in Warwickshire and finished in White with a black interior. Eventually, it was purchased by former Prime Minister David Cameron as a surprise birthday present for his wife Samantha. A Witney-based taxi driver by the name of Tim Ashby, collected the Camerons from RAF Fairford on an evening in October 2005 and upon dropping them at their home, spotted the little Fiat 500 tucked away on the driveway looking rather neglected, which prompted him to write a letter to Mr. Cameron asking if the car would be for sale. Sure enough, a letter back from the former Conservative leader stated that he would sell the car for £1,000 and to contact his secretary.

By the middle of 2010, when the car had covered only 11,500 miles, some refurbishment work was required to 'DUE 662K'. The engine was removed, cleaned and new gaskets fitted. The carburettor was rebuilt along with new hoses throughout, new engine / gearbox mounts, new fuel pump, and an electronic ignition system fitted. The braking system had a full overhaul with a new master cylinder, new wheel cylinders, brake shoes and all new pipework. A host of other jobs were taken care of at the same time and are fully documented in the history file. There are also numerous invoices from parts suppliers accompanying the car.

This sparkling Fiat 500L is supplied with its original handbook and a spare set of keys. In great condition and having covered less than 15,000 miles, this sweet little Fiat offers perfect classic car ownership, will turn heads wherever it goes, and is a great conversation piece having been owned by our Prime Minister and his First Lady.