Classic Fiat 500 - What should I know?
Discussion
I'm still really keen on buying a classic Fiat 500. The idea just hasn't gone away, despite me trying!
I'm hoping people can point me in the right direction and possibly offer some direct/common advice.
I'd be looking to use it for a maximum of 1,000 (dry) miles a year, and keeping it in the garage the rest of the time.
Would I be better buying a ratty old one (actually quite like the look of a 'well used' one), or a restored one? If the latter, what do I need to look out for on restored ones?
Maximum budget would be £10k, but would obviously rather spend a lot less.
I'm hoping people can point me in the right direction and possibly offer some direct/common advice.
I'd be looking to use it for a maximum of 1,000 (dry) miles a year, and keeping it in the garage the rest of the time.
Would I be better buying a ratty old one (actually quite like the look of a 'well used' one), or a restored one? If the latter, what do I need to look out for on restored ones?
Maximum budget would be £10k, but would obviously rather spend a lot less.
I have a 1970 Fiat 500L (for sale actually.....
) and they can be a bit of a mixed bag. The obvious thing, as mentioned, is rust. Make sure the one you buy is relatively free of this as the repair cost can far outweigh the value. Other than that, the mechanics of them are relatively straight forward, the electrics are ok (not much on them to be fair) but keep in mind they are Italian! Mine has the 650cc engine in it which is quite common. Hardened valve seats (so runs on unleaded) albeit not much more power.
Fun car for the money, and (whisper it) a little bit cooler than the ubiquitous Mini.
) and they can be a bit of a mixed bag. The obvious thing, as mentioned, is rust. Make sure the one you buy is relatively free of this as the repair cost can far outweigh the value. Other than that, the mechanics of them are relatively straight forward, the electrics are ok (not much on them to be fair) but keep in mind they are Italian! Mine has the 650cc engine in it which is quite common. Hardened valve seats (so runs on unleaded) albeit not much more power.Fun car for the money, and (whisper it) a little bit cooler than the ubiquitous Mini.
I've only had one 500 but Ive driven a couple of others and they were all dreadfull to drive - fun for about 5 minutes then you start thinking when will this journey be over.
They are extra slow noisy, slow, half witted gear change,scary brakes and liable to not start on any given journey.
When I bought my one I paid less than £200 ( long time ago) - putting £10k into one of these is probably a safe investment but think what else you could buy for your £10k and have 100 x more driving pleasure.
They are extra slow noisy, slow, half witted gear change,scary brakes and liable to not start on any given journey.
When I bought my one I paid less than £200 ( long time ago) - putting £10k into one of these is probably a safe investment but think what else you could buy for your £10k and have 100 x more driving pleasure.
We bought one in Italy and drove it back over the Alps. An adventure we still talk about but not the romantic trip we envisaged! Lashed it down most of the way and what was a lovely little thing in Florence traffic in the sunshine isn't so much fun in the rain uphill on an autoroute...
Upsides: everyone else will love it and smile when they see it. On a good day on an empty twisty road they are great fun to pedal along with the sunroof open once you have mastered double-de clutching. They hold their value.
Downsides: they feel like they are just waiting to dissolve in uk conditions. Despite being simple something is always ready to go wrong - it got infuriating. Stop start traffic and hills are a right pain. The car copes fine but unless you are thick skinned the slowness gets embarrassing unless you drive in maximum attack mode, which ain't relaxing. If you are over five foot eight it isn't going to be comfy to drive.
The brakes on ours were absolutely fine, not scary at all. The original 500cc engine is a sweet revver but the 650cc engine makes general progress much less manic and makes 55mph crusing practical with a top end of 70mph.
When we sold it the little bugger even blew its fuel pump connector off whilst driving onto the low loader. Having said that we didn't lose any money on it despite the work we did, and it looked lovely sitting on the drive. Wouldn't have another though.
If you really want one definitely get a really clean one, false economy to try and restore a rough one.
Bob
Upsides: everyone else will love it and smile when they see it. On a good day on an empty twisty road they are great fun to pedal along with the sunroof open once you have mastered double-de clutching. They hold their value.
Downsides: they feel like they are just waiting to dissolve in uk conditions. Despite being simple something is always ready to go wrong - it got infuriating. Stop start traffic and hills are a right pain. The car copes fine but unless you are thick skinned the slowness gets embarrassing unless you drive in maximum attack mode, which ain't relaxing. If you are over five foot eight it isn't going to be comfy to drive.
The brakes on ours were absolutely fine, not scary at all. The original 500cc engine is a sweet revver but the 650cc engine makes general progress much less manic and makes 55mph crusing practical with a top end of 70mph.
When we sold it the little bugger even blew its fuel pump connector off whilst driving onto the low loader. Having said that we didn't lose any money on it despite the work we did, and it looked lovely sitting on the drive. Wouldn't have another though.
If you really want one definitely get a really clean one, false economy to try and restore a rough one.
Bob
I restored a 1970 L for Mrs Blib in 2014/15. I echo others. Check for rust above all. A 500cc engine just doesn't cut it on modern roads. Plus the 126, 650 has a synchro gearbox. I'd also fit electronic ignition and disk brakes on the front.
£10k will get you a fine example. I got carried away and spent far more on Mrs B's car.
But, she's worth it. (She tells me)
From this...
To this....
And yes, I did get it switched from left to right hand drive.
£10k will get you a fine example. I got carried away and spent far more on Mrs B's car.
But, she's worth it. (She tells me)
From this...
To this....
And yes, I did get it switched from left to right hand drive.
Edited by Blib on Wednesday 17th August 22:57
Wheeler Dealers imported/restored one.
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=wheel...
Or keep an eye out on Quest (freeview)
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=wheel...
Or keep an eye out on Quest (freeview)
bstark said:
Downsides: they feel like they are just waiting to dissolve in uk conditions.
I remember an article in CCC back the late 80s/early 90s about someone getting a 500 body galvanised; he reckoned that the fact there's not a flat panel on it meant it was less likely to distort and it seemed to have come true. Presumably it's still around as it wouldn't be quite so soluble.
We have had two, a 67 and a 71 so I know them intimately, I have had them apart numerous times.
I think rust has been mentioned !
If having another I would get one that has been modernised a bit, electronic ignition as the points are a pain, the front disk upgrade and a smidge more power, the 126 conversion is a good thing to have.
Tyres can be hard to get and expensive, watch out where people have fitted the wrong size rather than stumping up for the correct ones, they end up rubbing.
Try and get one that has been restored and has photos of the rebuild, the bodyshell is the main thing, and though parts are readily available and not that pricey, it starts to add up if you are replacing loads of little bits one at a time.
Even though they can look shiny, watch out, our 67 had previously an enthusiastic but not as competent as he made out owner, lots of bodgery, pop rivets used as he didnt have a mig welder, then lash filler over it, re-using mullered fasteners.
Dont pay over the odds for Abarth recreations, if it isnt an Abarth it is just another 500, value as any other plus a bit if you really like it.
Watch out for Italian imports, our first one was and Italian MOT standards are not up to UK ones, bathroom sealant and mastick should not form part of the chassis, they still rot for fun in Italy.
They are fun, but a Mini is better and more fun in every way !
I think rust has been mentioned !
If having another I would get one that has been modernised a bit, electronic ignition as the points are a pain, the front disk upgrade and a smidge more power, the 126 conversion is a good thing to have.
Tyres can be hard to get and expensive, watch out where people have fitted the wrong size rather than stumping up for the correct ones, they end up rubbing.
Try and get one that has been restored and has photos of the rebuild, the bodyshell is the main thing, and though parts are readily available and not that pricey, it starts to add up if you are replacing loads of little bits one at a time.
Even though they can look shiny, watch out, our 67 had previously an enthusiastic but not as competent as he made out owner, lots of bodgery, pop rivets used as he didnt have a mig welder, then lash filler over it, re-using mullered fasteners.
Dont pay over the odds for Abarth recreations, if it isnt an Abarth it is just another 500, value as any other plus a bit if you really like it.
Watch out for Italian imports, our first one was and Italian MOT standards are not up to UK ones, bathroom sealant and mastick should not form part of the chassis, they still rot for fun in Italy.
They are fun, but a Mini is better and more fun in every way !
Check out the recent Harry's Garage review if you haven't already seen it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlR41Z86gFM
mr_fibuli said:
Check out the recent Harry's Garage review if you haven't already seen it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlR41Z86gFM
... and how to drive one back from ItalyWish said:
That looks a really nice one, and well priced for a suicide model (though I do beleive they all involve that possibility )I have had many many UK spec 500's. All were RHD unmessed unrestored and all were proper uber straight cars that had been dry stored for years and had minimal miles. All were sold on over the years to proper enthusiasts that were happy to pay strongly for a straight machine.
Of course the supply of good cars have dried up and all that is left is knocked out ex Italian bodged nasty heaps.
I then reflected on what I had sold and my life being without a cracking 500...
Out of the blue an unmessed 1973 totally rust free Lusso came my way in 2014. 11k genuine miles last used in 1979. Not one zit of rot or corrosion anywhere. This one I'm keeping....
When they're good they're very very good.... (IMPHO they blow away a Mini for charm and style. Driving a 500 is like driving a toy!)
Of course the supply of good cars have dried up and all that is left is knocked out ex Italian bodged nasty heaps.
I then reflected on what I had sold and my life being without a cracking 500...
Out of the blue an unmessed 1973 totally rust free Lusso came my way in 2014. 11k genuine miles last used in 1979. Not one zit of rot or corrosion anywhere. This one I'm keeping....
When they're good they're very very good.... (IMPHO they blow away a Mini for charm and style. Driving a 500 is like driving a toy!)
Edited by P50 on Wednesday 24th August 16:43
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