Description

1965 Fiat 500F

RHD example with 652cc engine and synchro box; solid and sound and ready to go

A masterpiece of minimalist motoring, the Dante Giacosa designed 'Nuova' 500 was launched in 1957 to replace the famous and much loved 500 'Topolino'.

Making our own Mini look positively bloated, its tiny bulbous body nevertheless had room for two adults and two bambini and gave the 500 huge character. Powered by a miniscule twin-cylinder 499cc air-cooled engine with a four-speed crash gearbox, the car was an instant success both at home and abroad.

Fundamentally unaltered throughout its 18-year production life, the 500 was fantastic value for money with all independent suspension, a heater and full length sunroof as standard when many much more expensive cars still listed these as options. A surprisingly spacious estate version was also available called the Giardiniera. Production finally ceased in 1975 to make way for the new and infinitely less characterful Fiat 126.

This 1965 500F comes in RHD form which makes it somewhat of a rarity. We are told it has a later 126 engine, which at 652cc gives it a lot more oooomph (everything is relative), with the added bonus of a synchro gearbox and fancy electronic ignition.

Other upgrades include a sporty exhaust, luxury '500L' seats and 126 wheels as fitted to the last of the line 500Rs.

We are led to believe it was imported into the UK in 2003, as shown on the V5C but from where we do not know. The body is sound which suggests somewhere warm and dry.

It has been repainted at some point, although we think the unusual colour is original or close to. There are some blemishes here and there, but essentially this is a perfectly usable RHD example.In 2016, the time of its most recent MOT, new front suspension components were fitted since when the car has covered few miles.

Enormous fun to drive, economical to run and fabulously easy to park, a 500 is a wonderful addition to anyone's garage.

For more information, contact matthew.parkin@brightwells.com