Vehicle Description
Chances are, if you've watched an old movie set in Europe somewhere
in the '60s, you've seen a car like this 1970 Fiat 500F running
around. Cute, eminently Euro, and surprisingly affordable, this
neat little minicar is an unusual alternative to the more common
Beetles, MGBs, and late-model duplicates that don't quite have the
same charm.
This is a pretty original car. It's probably been repainted at some
point, but it was a while ago and the overall patina gives it a
charming look that suggests it has been used but not neglected.
Inexpensive cars are nothing new, but the Fiat brings Italian flair
to the party, and everyone is right when they say that no other
country can duplicate the feel of driving an Italian machine. The
simple, rounded bodywork is clean and well-proportioned, if not
dramatic, and it shows you what you might have been driving had you
lived in Rome or Paris in the early '70s. Not perfect, but chic and
hip, even today where it attracts attention all out of proportion
to its size. The chrome and bright trim is unquestionably original
and it's in great shape, building character the way only time can.
There's also a cool trunk rack just big enough for a suitcase.
The interior is simple and no-frills, with low-back buckets that
are pure 1960s and a dashboard that puts the focus on driving. The
seat covers have undoubtedly been replaced, as they're just too
nice to be nearly 50 years old, but the rest appears to be vintage
1970 stuff. Carpets, door panels, and dash pad have a nice patina
to them that makes the inside of this Fiat look casual and inviting
and doesn't take itself too seriously. The big two-spoke steering
wheel delivers easy maneuverability in the lightweight little car
and the big central gauge has a definite Italian flair to it.
Overhead, the massive sunroof is covered by a checkerboard pattern
roof and you'll never want to run without it alfresco. There's also
a fair-sized trunk up front that is in original condition, which
isn't necessarily a bad thing, and includes a full-sized spare.
The 650 cc two-cylinder engine has plenty of pep for a lightweight
microcar like this and delivers modest thrills with an Italian
accent. It was rebuilt about 5000 miles ago and feels eager right
from the start. There's a great exhaust note thanks to a single
exhaust system and the ingenious packaging of the engine
compartment is something only the Italians could have dreamed up.
Dig the the beautifully cast valve cover, the bright red engine
tinwork, and the wonderfully complex engine mount, all of which add
to the car's character. It runs well and despite Fiat's reputation,
it should prove to be reliable and inexpensive to run if
everything's properly sorted. Parts are still plentiful for these
cars, so they're easy to service and if you're a little handy, you
can probably handle most of it yourself. The suspension is willing,
with a nice compromise between economy and comfort, and the brakes,
while not astoundingly powerful, are adequate. Painted steel wheels
with polished hubcaps are a traditional European look and they
carry right-sized 125SR12 blackwalls all around.
A neat little survivor that is seldom seen here in the US, this
Fiat will stand out in a lot of ways without breaking the bank.
Call today!