1996 Fiat

How the car started First registered in June 96, this Cinquecento started life as a standard ''sporting'' model in gleaming black. If anyone recalls that summer of '96, England was hosting the Euro Cup and the Cinq Sport had been launched the previous summer with almost instant cult status. They were loved by critics and customers alike which produced great sales success for the Cinq sporting. Our little Cinq has gone on to lead a very interesting and somewhat charmed life, in April 2000 the previous owner visited Van Aaken developments Ltd at the Transport Research Laboratory in Crowthorne and placed an order to have the car turbo-charged. In addition to this he also fitted Jamex lowering springs and an Eibach strut base with the total bill coming to £2828.31. This has transformed the car in to something quite special and quite a carnival of grinning behind the wheel. Silverwood's Part We had the pleasure in supplying the previous owner with a stunning E39 BMW Tourer, and during the conversation he dropped in that he had an unusual Fiat and would we be interested in taking in in as part of the transaction. Obviously, we jumped at the chance to acquire such an unusual and rare car. The car arrives and we ponder it's future. The bodywork was totally rust-free, but could do with some dent removal and some serious machining and detailing. After driving the car, we again pondered what it should and could be. The power delivery was free and correct but felt somewhat strangled. After a while, and the phrase ''baby integrale'' was passed back and forth a few times, we had a plan. The plan was to release some more power through breathing and fit a dump valve to reduce turbo lag. So we set about sourcing a more free-flowing stainless steel exhaust system, fitting an improved cone air filter at the front and a bonnet vent to increase air flow in to the under-bonnet area. Whilst going through this process, we replaced numerous chips, ties, bolts and fittings to future-proof the car and to give the car the love it deserved. The look and feel The words ''baby integrale'' came up again, so we talked wheels - steering and road. We decided on a late 80s/early 90s MOMO Monte Carlo steering wheel which has visually transformed the interior and using the philosophy ''if its good enough for homologation special Ferraris'', the Cinq was going to wear it well! Road wheels had to be something special, and after a long debate, we could not agree on that ''just right'' factor - that factor being size, offset and look. Two weeks passed and Jay, our Technician, bounced through the door with a loud ''I've found them'' smile. Amazingly, he had found a set of Compomotive 5.5J X 13'' - as fitted to the Fiat Uno Turbo Cup cars from the one make race series run in Italy. The wheels were finished in white but a full refurbishment and colour change was always planned. We decided on dark grey to get that early integrale look and the fit and look is exactly what we'd hoped for. In-car entertainment An Alpine CD system has been fitted with correct amp, bass tube and tweeter and speaker upgrade. The result is both deep and clear which should delight any music fan. History The history file is extremely deep and thorough, from the original brochure to the Van Aaken invoice for the turbo conversion, with all service and parts invoices also kept within the file. Enough for any aficionado to enjoy. Body Work The Gloss Black bodywork is now in superb order with a deep shine. In Summary We have thoroughly enjoyed working with this very special car. Having the knowledge of finer points of special Italian cars from this era and using that knowledge to further enhance the car in the right direction, we think we have kept the car's integrity. We can only hope the next lucky owner goes on to enjoy it and embrace it the way we have. You can call us on 0191 447 2070 to speak to a member of our team on any aspect of our vehicles. Silverwood include a 6 month warranty. Worldwide shipping available. All major credit and debit cards taken.