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1972 Fiat 500 L

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£5,300

  • Mileage63,666 km
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine650cc
  • LocationBrackley

SOLD

1972 Fiat 500 L

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Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Automotive Editor, Photographer and Consigner

Truly classless, the Fiat 500 is a car for everyone and a perfect city runaround - yes it's ULEZ complaint!

The Fiat 500 has resonated with the public for over 65 years, and indeed with Fiat themselves who leaned heavily on the design for a series of their modern output. However, its appeal goes way beyond the cheeky styling. Its nimble handling, clever packaging and fuel efficiency were purpose-built for the narrow streets and set the benchmark for the city car.

Continuously developed over its two-decade lifespan, the later 500 L (or Lusso) versions are often considered the best option, for those seeking interior creature comforts and a little more refinement. This 1972 example was believed to have been imported via Italy in 2017 and has since been treated to a respray in its original blue colour.

The car is benefits from being fitted with a more powerful 650cc engine from the later 126.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Edward the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

We wish we could keep it, even just for looking at it!

Edward has fallen for the Fiat 500's charms before, having owned another example in the past. Regularly used and enjoyed in his company, he took the 500 to several shows and often drove it for the sake of it.

However, a house move has meant that he now needs to sell the car, to help free up funds, but he's certain it won't be the last classic car he owns!

Edward
Vehicle Owner

Edward saved £0,900* when they
sold their Fiat with us.

SELLING MADE EASY

  • We'll take the photos & create the listing.
  • We'll market it to our 62K buyers & online.
  • You'll keep your car until it's paid for.
 

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Exterior

Gleaming in light blue, the shape of the 500 is unmistakable - this is a lovely example.

Wheels and Tyres

The car sports a full set of Pirelli Cinturato tyres which are around 5 years old, they all have a healthy and even amount of thread. The steel wheels show minor signs of age but display well.

Bodywork

The car's basic structure looks sound, with the floor pan and inner arches appearing solid. The lowest extremities of the metalwork viewed from underneath show minor fraying, with the nearside rear arch being the most noticeable. The front luggage area is decent, with some observation of slight dampness in the deepest corners. The engine bay and door wells look solid.

The car's exterior presents really well, with acceptable panel gaps and panel fit throughout. The new rubbers mean the doors need a little encouragement to close. The body is free of dents, with minor signs of under-paint issues starting to emerge on the lower section of the nearside door and rear wheel arch and offside outer sill but overall the car is presentable.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The car was subjected to a £1,500 repaint in the autumn of 2020, the quality is of a good standard, with no immediate observation of runs or poor paint coverage. The lustre is good, with some minor flatness noted. There is the occasional sign of overspray pointed out on the rubbers.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass is in good shape, with no obvious signs of damage. They are complimented with a decent set of rubber seals. The chrome trim is good throughout, with no immediate signs of tarnishing.

A pair of replacement quarter lights chrome trims come with the car, as well as a set of headlamp rims.

Interior

Basic but in very good shape, the interior has seen plenty of care.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are in decent shape, with some signs of age all of which can be negated as the car will come with a pair of new vinyl front seat covers. The carpets and mats appear to be recent items and are free of any wear. No dampness was noted on the cabin carpets.

The door cards are decent, with just the nearside door item requiring minor readjusting.

Dashboard

The dashboard and centre console display very well, with no evidence of cracks or significant damage. The binnacle is tidy with minor signs of age noted, and the minimalist dials and controls are above the expectations of a car of this age - all are said to function.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel is in good shape, with no immediate signs of cracks or significant wear.

The gear stick shows its age, with cracks noted on the rubber gaiter.

Mechanics

Able and willing, the bigger 650cc engine is a spritely performer in this light little car.

Engine and Gearbox

The car uses the air-cooled 650cc engine from the later 126 model and started up without any issues during the cold start video. Once ticking over, the engine sounds robust with no undulations. The car was not observed to be smoky on the move.

The gearbox has the added bonus of a synchromesh, which certainly helps with engagement. The engine presentation is workman-like, but the owner has kept on top of the servicing and maintenance requirements.

There were no signs of excessive exhaust smoke at any point.

Suspension and Brakes

The car sits level, suggesting that the suspension has been maintained and the rear swing arm mounts appear to be solid, which is confirmed by the car's nimble and trouble-free handling.

The steering remained true under braking, with limited play noted.

Braking is in line with the expectations of a 500 and demonstrated that no unevenness or drama was experienced during the brisk drive.

The Drive

The Fiat really seems to pack a huge amount of character and talent in such a diminutive package. The performance is lively and as a city car, it will deal with modern driving conditions, more so with the bigger engine.

On long straights, it climbs up to 50mph without too much trouble, the engine felt tight and not overstained, with just the occasional engine pop. The real joy comes at lower-speed handling, particularly around the tight corners.

The car is also remarkably stable over bumpy roads and cambers, with no notable issues coming from the suspension in terms of noise or thuds.

Roll back the roof and let the sunshine in.

Electrics and Other

The vinyl roof was proven to function and appears to be a recent item, with no wear or damage inside or out.

History and Paperwork

Subject to a £1,500 respray in the last 18 months, the car has been also been regularly maintained.

Imported into the UK in 2017, the car comes with a current V5 and is believed to have initially spent its first UK experience in London. The current owner took on the car in the summer of 2020 and subsequently took the car to a body shop for a repaint, at a cost of £1,500. There is a further invoice showing a £256 bill for new coils, leads and rotor arm, as well as a conversion kit. Edward also tells us that he, along with his MG-owning father, are confident with mechanics and have kept the car well maintained.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
05-05-2017 MOT 58,589 km
Key Details
  • Model500 L
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date01-01-1972
  • CC650
  • Mileage63,666 km on clock
  • HistorySome
  • ColourBlue
  • Interior ColourBlack
  • Interior TrimVinyl
  • Chassis #3035141
  • Engine #8281731
  • Matching #sNo - Engine Change
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes - All Clear
  • Former Keepers2 in UK
  • Tyre BrandPirelli Cinturato
  • Tyre Age2016
  • LHD or RHDLHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned2 Years
  • Key Feature650cc Engine
  • Auction ID544217







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Vehicle Location

Brackley, Buckinghamshire

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