Talk Morgan Forums Community Vehicle Talk (non-Morgan) Classic Fiat 500

I was looking for something a bit different to replace my Alfa GTV, and ended up with this...



A Fiat 500. Air-cooled, two cylinder, RWD silliness from the early '70s. It lived in Rome until recently, I bought it from a chap in London and had it transported home.

It has had some work done, although there's little paperwork with it; synchromesh gearbox and no choke, lowered and slightly rolled arches, disc brakes, different sump and an exhaust, etc. It's not had a 126 engine conversion but it's way quicker than I anticipated, I had it off the clock (130kph) fairly easily (!)

It's a hoot to drive. Very flat in corners, narrow power band, slightly baggy steering and decent brakes. The paint is very good and there's hardly any rust, I thought it was a standard (albeit rare) colour called Agip 247 but it seems not.

No tax, no MOT (although it it MOT'd), classic insurance and fits in the garage with acres to spare. I love it!

I know bugger all about these, though. Do any of you chaps have any experience with them? I could do with finding a decent specialist locally (leics) just in case, although I've done a couple of little jobs and it's a doddle to work on.

Your comments, experiences and expressions of incredulity are all welcome

That is a great looking car and I'll bet it's a hoot to drive, good choice it seems to have had some very sensible improvements done to it.

I have always loved small Fiats and the more crowded our roads get, the more sense they make. You should have two levers between the front seats, one is the choke the other the starter.
On some others ( the 600 and 850 ) the starter is changed to a hand throttle. Very handy with a sun roof as you can set the hand throttle and stand on the seat driving it like a submarine but only on empty private roads of course!!!!
I wish you well with your purchase, they are rising in price by the day.

Thank you. Yes, it's nicely done, it hasn't been 'Abarthed' which is nice. It had horrible tinted indicators and an aftermarket wing mirror which I have already returned to standard. The seats are from a Fiat 126 so I'm on the lookout for some classic little buckets or original seats, the steering wheel is some dreadful modern sporty thing that looks like it was made from melted-down sex toys, so a replacement has been found for that (wood rimmed Nardi classic). There was also an ugly centre console and speakers which I binned. I got it for a good price as I suspect the modern trim bits put buyers off, they were easily sorted and the mechanical modifications are 'in keeping' with the period and make it lovely to drive.

Thanks. Yes, two levers, one starts it but the other (choke) is totally disconnected). It starts instantly so must have a more modern ignition system (but it is on a Weber carb). I found the hand throttle but hadn't considered sitting on the roof and driving with my feet - that's a bloody brilliant stunt and will be attempted the next time I am bored (quite soon, probably)...

They are even good for holidays too. Snapped this a few years ago in Croatia. Looks like a lot of fun

My cousin and her hubby had one in the early sixties. They also had a Pyrenean mountain dog who was happy to fill the rear seat & put his head out of the sun roof.

Looks great. Love the wheels.
Nick

I absolutely love it! Nice one Rich.

Had one when I worked in Manchester and wanted something economical to use on the 3 mile drive to the station.

It was great fun and for some reason I particularly remember how good it was in the snow!