1970 Fiat 500L Saloon
Registration no. not UK registered
Chassis no. 110 F 2615911
Engine no. 110 F 2752067

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 basic 500's austerity was not well received, prompting the introduction of a revised and better equipped version endowed with refinements such as wind-down windows, upholstered rear seat, column-mounted switch gear stalks and hubcaps. Introduced in 1960, the 500D used the 499.5cc engine of the 500 Sport in de-tuned form. In 1965 it was superseded by the 500F, the latter's altered bodywork incorporating front-hinged doors and a shortened sunroof, while mechanical improvements included a strengthened transmission. Maximum power increased to 22bhp and the top speed to within a whisker of 60mph.

Introduced in 1968 alongside the standard 500F, the deluxe 500L, while mechanically identical, came with exterior cosmetic enhancements and an improved interior featuring new instrument panel, seats and floor covering. An immense success for FIAT, almost 3,000,000 of these adorable little cars had been sold when production ceased in 1975. The Nuova 500 remains as popular today as it ever was, and a few years ago was voted 'Sexiest Car' by the readers of Top Gear magazine.

Finished in the charming colour combination of Mustard Yellow with black vinyl interior, so typical of the 1970s, this particular FIAT 500L has spent all his life in its native Italy. It has the correct Pirelli tyres, including spare, and is described as in generally good condition, starting readily and running well. The car is offered with Italian registration documents (Libretto and Certificato di Proprieta).