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Sold

1973 Fiat 500L

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

Sold Price

£5,936

  • Mileage67,426 km
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine0.5-litres
  • LocationHampton, London

SOLD

1973 Fiat 500L

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Video #2

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Automotive Editor, Photographer and Consigner

A little car that revolutionised travel in Italy and still makes the world smile today.

Designed as a solution for cheap and reliable urban travel, the iconic Fiat Nuova 500 illustrates the near-perfect combination of practicality, charm and Italian engineering in one deft hit. First seen in 1957, it shaped the Italian motoring landscape for decades, not only allowing millions of people to become mobile but guided Fiat to become one of the world's biggest car manufacturers.

Despite its relatively unchanged appearance over its 18-year production, the car underwent significant upgrades resulting in the 500 L (or Lusso) in 1967. Characterised by its tubular bumper guards, plusher trim and more storage space - the 500 also carried over the uprated 499cc engine offering a giddy 17 bhp. The name of the game was never pace, it was getting there with a smile on your face.

Imported directly by the current owner from Italy in 2018, where it was believed to have been in the same family for much of its life, the car has also seen £1,500 worth of mechanical renovation, as well as some bodywork renovation. Tax and MOT exempt and you can also zoom around the capital with no fear of the dreaded ULEZ charges.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Henry 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.

Video #2

Meet the owner

Having owned one years ago, I couldn't resist the temptation to revisit the experience and purchase this little car.

The car simply oozes charm, is a great conversation starter and I've always appreciated the engineering and fun driving experiences of the 500. I bought it from a guy in Italy who we got to know and whose father had the car virtually from new.

I've enjoyed the five years of ownership, so I am very very reluctant to sell it for many reasons but have two other cars - a classic Saab 900 and a Mercedes G Wagon, and I really don’t have the space to keep all three.

Henry
Vehicle Owner

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

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EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

A solid visual presentation has been enhanced by some recent cosmetic work.

Wheels and Tyres

The car is fitted with matching Debica Passio 12” tyres, all have a healthy and even amount of tread.

The steel rims are free of significant damage, with minor signs of age noted.

Bodywork

The car looks structurally sound, with a good solid floor pan, inner wings and an intact engine bay.

The body looks cohesive, with no notable bodywork damage, other than a little corrosion on the offside sill and a few light spots emerging on the top of the near side rear wing, but overall a pleasingly solid car. The panel flow is generally good, with no issues opening the doors.

Being critical, a little surface corrosion can be spotted under the car, front luggage area and on the seams of the inner arch lips.

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 Pomodoro Orange paint has been well applied throughout, with nothing more than an odd minor scuff and light chip in places.

The rear wings have seen more recent paint, both reveal a good match to the rest of the body, with slight orange peeling noted in places. It has decent lustre, with some swirling meaning it would benefit from a machine polish.

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 significant marks or damage.

All of the glass and door rubbers are in excellent shape.

The chrome trim is generally well-presented, a little tarnishing was noted on the rear bumper guards. Both headlamps are intact, and the rear tail lights are good, with a little more sign of age. Henry has replaced the tail lights and roof since our visit, you can see the updated photo of the tail lights and roof in the history and paperwork section below. Henry has also added a luggage rack and basket to the rear.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

Neatly presented - transporting you back to another era.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are in nice condition with no rips - just a slight split seam noted on the top of the passenger seat.

The car's rubber floor coverings are in good shape too, with light wear aligned to the age of the car with a few tears in places.

No significant signs of water were noted in the cabin.

The door cards are intact and tidy.

Dashboard

The facia has worn well, with no cracks or anything other than minor signs of age.

The switchgear is intact and all is said to work.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

There are a handful of splits noted on the steering wheel, but nothing too unsightly.

The gear lever is in line with the age of the car.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

Simple mechanics coupled with easy access to all components here - a perfect no nonsense classic.

Engine and Gearbox

The cold start did not present any issues for the compact 499cc engine, with no hesitancy or significant smoke noted upon startup. The engine idles evenly, with no negative reports of oil pressure, engine temperature or visual evidence of engine leaks on the day.

The engine presentation is in used condition, but shows evidence of maintenance, with a recently fitted full pump gleaming away. The gearbox is said to operate well, with no crunching. The clutch performed well, with the owner reporting a good biting point.

Suspension and Brakes

The car stops well, with an even feel and no grinding or squeals. At very low speeds, the suspension didn't reveal any issues or knocking around the speed ramps or potholes.

The steering appeared to be free of any unwanted noises.

The Drive

Cheeky is the best way to characterise the Fiat 500 experience - nimble and fun at low speeds, its tiny proportions and agility are very much its core charm. Almost impossible to get caught for speeding, driving the 500 around the built-up local roads also didn't flag up any issues with the engine or gearbox performance.

The ride is characteristically classic, and with this in mind, it is very much a short journey car, but an absolute cinch to park.

Electrics and Other

The canvas roof is in good shape and free of rips with no reports of leaks, but the owner will supply a new one as part of the sale - it opens and closes with no issues.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

Imported directly from Italy from its original family in 2018, it has seen £1,500 worth of spending since.

Believed to have been kept in the same family since new, the car was placed into storage and this is when its UK adventure begins. Henry directly imported the car from La Marche in the east of Italy in 2018, and set about getting it ready for use. This included a service, MOT and replacement tyres, along with a replacement carburettor, brake work, headlamps and a mechanical check totalling the cost of £1,500.

As well as this recent batch of invoices, Henry has also retained all of the import paperwork, and rather neatly, has the original Italian documentation for the car. There are also a handful of historic photos of the car when he first bought it, and it has since seen both rear wings rubbed down and resprayed. It is fully legal for UK use, ULEZ exempt and has only covered fewer than 200 miles since being in the UK.

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
16-01-2018 MOT 67,137 km
16-12-2018 Service 67,200 km
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Key Details
  • Model500 L
  • TransmissionManual
  • UK Reg. Date01-02-2018
  • CC499
  • Mileage67,426 km
  • HistoryRecent
  • ColourPomodoro Orange
  • Interior ColourBlack
  • Interior TrimVinyl
  • Chassis #6099323
  • Engine #110F003341213
  • Last Service16-12-2018
  • RestoredPartially
  • MOTExpired 16-01-2018
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes - All Clear
  • Former Keepers0 in UK
  • Tyre BrandDebica Passio
  • # of Keys1
  • LHD or RHDLHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~6 years
  • Key FeatureHistory
  • Auction ID1348
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VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos








Vehicle Sold

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1 Comment
Kulraj Salh
Kulraj Salh
Admin
10 months ago

Auction Update – The seller CHenry has removed the reserve on this auction, it is now on sale with “no reserve”. Good luck if you’re involved in the bidding. Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics

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Vehicle Location

Hampton, London

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