Some help with a 1972 FIAT 500L
Discussion
So I've been asked by a friend to sort out the sale of her late Father's 1972 FIAT 500L
It was bare metal restored a few years ago and remains in a decent condition - perhaps not concourse as he was an engineer not a professional restorer but nonetheless a nice example with lovely white paintwork.
I know very little about the classics market, other than it's easy to be taken advantage of, so I'm looking for some advice as to where would be the best place / method of selling, I'm wondering if a classic auction (Bonhams?) might be worthwhile or do they take such a high commission that Ebay would actually give a better sales price.
Help.... lol
It was bare metal restored a few years ago and remains in a decent condition - perhaps not concourse as he was an engineer not a professional restorer but nonetheless a nice example with lovely white paintwork.
I know very little about the classics market, other than it's easy to be taken advantage of, so I'm looking for some advice as to where would be the best place / method of selling, I'm wondering if a classic auction (Bonhams?) might be worthwhile or do they take such a high commission that Ebay would actually give a better sales price.
Help.... lol
K50 DEL said:
So I've been asked by a friend to sort out the sale of her late Father's 1972 FIAT 500L
It was bare metal restored a few years ago and remains in a decent condition - perhaps not concourse as he was an engineer not a professional restorer but nonetheless a nice example with lovely white paintwork.
I know very little about the classics market, other than it's easy to be taken advantage of, so I'm looking for some advice as to where would be the best place / method of selling, I'm wondering if a classic auction (Bonhams?) might be worthwhile or do they take such a high commission that Ebay would actually give a better sales price.
Help.... lol
My suggestion would be to contact someone in the Fiat 500 Enthusiasts Club, who might be prepared to value the car for you. This should stop you getting your pants pulled down by an opportunist, or conversely over valuing it and generating no interest. Then advertise it within said club or on Car & Classic.It was bare metal restored a few years ago and remains in a decent condition - perhaps not concourse as he was an engineer not a professional restorer but nonetheless a nice example with lovely white paintwork.
I know very little about the classics market, other than it's easy to be taken advantage of, so I'm looking for some advice as to where would be the best place / method of selling, I'm wondering if a classic auction (Bonhams?) might be worthwhile or do they take such a high commission that Ebay would actually give a better sales price.
Help.... lol
Return often goes hand in hand with prep work.
ebay is a reasonable start as people are always on the look out there.
I have found its worth spending an hour or two on car listings. Take it to a really nice location, eg out in the country side with decent views on a nice bright day. Remember you're not selling a run of the mill every day car, its something special. People are generally buying into the lifestyle, so if you can show it how the buyer would like to use it then that's great, maybe set up a period picnic/scene in the background. Detail photos go a long way too, as they say a picture speaks a thousand words. Look at how journos take photos of cars and try to replicate, good photos do make all the difference at getting peoples attention. It amazes that some folk cant seem to frame a subject correctly - you end up with all sorts of crappy images online. You'd be surprised how many people don't even bother reading the description, but if they do make sure its concise with all the info that someone may need.
If you cant be arsed and you don't really care about getting a great return, then hand it over to the auctioneers and they'll do all of the above for you, but it'll cost.
I have a few nice spots locally that include large country estates, nature reserves and an airfield where they have a load of vintage planes in art-deco style hangars that pose great photo locations. A walkaround video, start up and tick over often helps too - put a youtube link in the description.
Good Luck
ebay is a reasonable start as people are always on the look out there.
I have found its worth spending an hour or two on car listings. Take it to a really nice location, eg out in the country side with decent views on a nice bright day. Remember you're not selling a run of the mill every day car, its something special. People are generally buying into the lifestyle, so if you can show it how the buyer would like to use it then that's great, maybe set up a period picnic/scene in the background. Detail photos go a long way too, as they say a picture speaks a thousand words. Look at how journos take photos of cars and try to replicate, good photos do make all the difference at getting peoples attention. It amazes that some folk cant seem to frame a subject correctly - you end up with all sorts of crappy images online. You'd be surprised how many people don't even bother reading the description, but if they do make sure its concise with all the info that someone may need.
If you cant be arsed and you don't really care about getting a great return, then hand it over to the auctioneers and they'll do all of the above for you, but it'll cost.
I have a few nice spots locally that include large country estates, nature reserves and an airfield where they have a load of vintage planes in art-deco style hangars that pose great photo locations. A walkaround video, start up and tick over often helps too - put a youtube link in the description.
Good Luck
Thanks all for the advice, some really helpful points here.
I'm going to start I think by road insuring the car in my name (and probably learning how to start and drive it as I don't think it's the same as a modern!!)
Hopefully there's a local rep of the owners club who can assist in that as well as a value.
Then I'll get some good pics, make a walkaround video and get it listed on the club and C+C, if that doesn't bring a sale then I'll investigate "The Market" as they've sold a few previously so that looks promising.
Thanks again all.
I'm going to start I think by road insuring the car in my name (and probably learning how to start and drive it as I don't think it's the same as a modern!!)
Hopefully there's a local rep of the owners club who can assist in that as well as a value.
Then I'll get some good pics, make a walkaround video and get it listed on the club and C+C, if that doesn't bring a sale then I'll investigate "The Market" as they've sold a few previously so that looks promising.
Thanks again all.
Give these guys a ring http://fiat500.cc/store/r-proietti-limited.asp
https://goo.gl/maps/PkPHrABxtvM1xpsC8
I have nothing to do with them except a mate of mine uses them for his cars and thinks they're ace. They can give you an honest appraisal on value and where to sell
https://goo.gl/maps/PkPHrABxtvM1xpsC8
I have nothing to do with them except a mate of mine uses them for his cars and thinks they're ace. They can give you an honest appraisal on value and where to sell
You might decide to keep it, perhaps. Old cars are way more engaging to drive than modern cars.
Start the car using a bit of choke (usually), but depending on the car and on the weather you should aim to close the choke as soon as the car will idle smoothly without it.
Try to avoid too much pumping of the throttle when starting, because it is easy to flood a carburettor with petrol. If you do that, go and have a cup of tea and then try again.
Warm the car up before driving it, preferably until the temp gauge if there is one is off its stops and even into the normal zone.
Bear in mind that changing gear may be a bit tricksy until the transmission oil warms up. If need be, even on a car with synchromesh, double declutch, especially on downshifts.
Depending on the carb set up, you might need to hot start the car with the throttle wide open.
Sometimes an old car will crank but not fire, and then will fire up just as you release the starter, so be ready to catch it with some throttle if it does that.
If the starter is not cranking, try hitting its casing with a crowbar or a big hammer. If hard to reach, put a crowbar against it and whack the crowbar with a big hammer. This may unstick a stuck starter.
NB: those pointers are based on decades of driving cars of the 1960s to 1980s, but I have not driven a classic Fiat 500, and what I write might be all wrong for one of those.
Check all of the fluids often.
Maybe have a towel in the car to help with de misting.
Unless the alternator has been upgraded, think carefully about using lights, wipers, radio, and anything else electric all at the same time.
IIRC a Fiat 500 is aircooled, so the advice about turning the heater on and opening the windows if the engine starts to overheat may not apply.
Start the car using a bit of choke (usually), but depending on the car and on the weather you should aim to close the choke as soon as the car will idle smoothly without it.
Try to avoid too much pumping of the throttle when starting, because it is easy to flood a carburettor with petrol. If you do that, go and have a cup of tea and then try again.
Warm the car up before driving it, preferably until the temp gauge if there is one is off its stops and even into the normal zone.
Bear in mind that changing gear may be a bit tricksy until the transmission oil warms up. If need be, even on a car with synchromesh, double declutch, especially on downshifts.
Depending on the carb set up, you might need to hot start the car with the throttle wide open.
Sometimes an old car will crank but not fire, and then will fire up just as you release the starter, so be ready to catch it with some throttle if it does that.
If the starter is not cranking, try hitting its casing with a crowbar or a big hammer. If hard to reach, put a crowbar against it and whack the crowbar with a big hammer. This may unstick a stuck starter.
NB: those pointers are based on decades of driving cars of the 1960s to 1980s, but I have not driven a classic Fiat 500, and what I write might be all wrong for one of those.
Check all of the fluids often.
Maybe have a towel in the car to help with de misting.
Unless the alternator has been upgraded, think carefully about using lights, wipers, radio, and anything else electric all at the same time.
IIRC a Fiat 500 is aircooled, so the advice about turning the heater on and opening the windows if the engine starts to overheat may not apply.
PS: consider carrying with you on drives a spare belt if the car has belts, a spare coil, spare plugs, spare fuses, and some oil. If liquid cooled, take some coolant mix. If air cooled, you can get bags of air free on most road sides. Some basic sockets and/or spanners, a plug spanner, and a couple of screwdrivers are a good idea. So too are cable ties, duct tape, jubilee clips, and WD 40.
Do not bother with the RAC or AA. They are beyond useless. Maybe try Gem. Pack a charger pack for your mobile phone. Pack an old stylee road atlas because the phone and its satnav may not be chargeable via the car's lighter socket if it even has one, and satnav is a battery hog. Stick a hi viz jacket behind the seat.
EDIT: Apologies, OP, if you know all that stuff already. I see that your profile pic is a 1980s Volvo, so you perhaps already know about ye olde jam jars.
Do not bother with the RAC or AA. They are beyond useless. Maybe try Gem. Pack a charger pack for your mobile phone. Pack an old stylee road atlas because the phone and its satnav may not be chargeable via the car's lighter socket if it even has one, and satnav is a battery hog. Stick a hi viz jacket behind the seat.
EDIT: Apologies, OP, if you know all that stuff already. I see that your profile pic is a 1980s Volvo, so you perhaps already know about ye olde jam jars.
Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 10th September 12:26
Another vote for The Market. While I haven't used them, they seem to get decent results, their fees are very reasonable compared to other auction houses, and they avoid the possibility of having to deal with the subset of people you don't want to have to deal with. Your payment should also be assured through them, rather than having the risk of cash in your home or the rigmarole of other payment options, which you'd have to agree with the buyer in any case.
Breadvan72 said:
You might decide to keep it, perhaps. Old cars are way more engaging to drive than modern cars.
Start the car using a bit of choke (usually), but depending on the car and on the weather you should aim to close the choke as soon as the car will idle smoothly without it.
Try to avoid too much pumping of the throttle when starting, because it is easy to flood a carburettor with petrol. If you do that, go and have a cup of tea and then try again.
Warm the car up before driving it, preferably until the temp gauge if there is one is off its stops and even into the normal zone.
Bear in mind that changing gear may be a bit tricksy until the transmission oil warms up. If need be, even on a car with synchromesh, double declutch, especially on downshifts.
.
Hi there, I had a 1972 Fiat 500 and can give you some pointers to expand on BV72's comments. Firstly, try it! It's a great experience.Start the car using a bit of choke (usually), but depending on the car and on the weather you should aim to close the choke as soon as the car will idle smoothly without it.
Try to avoid too much pumping of the throttle when starting, because it is easy to flood a carburettor with petrol. If you do that, go and have a cup of tea and then try again.
Warm the car up before driving it, preferably until the temp gauge if there is one is off its stops and even into the normal zone.
Bear in mind that changing gear may be a bit tricksy until the transmission oil warms up. If need be, even on a car with synchromesh, double declutch, especially on downshifts.
.
Fuel tank and battery are under the front bonnet if you need to fill up/charge the battery - unleaded fuel is fine. Bonnet release under the dash. Engine at the back, dipstick to the right of the engine compartment.
To get it started First off, to start it put the key in the ignition and turn until you get lights on the dash. then look between the front seats and there are two levers. Assuming it is right hand drive, passenger side is choke, so pull that on. Drivers side is starter, when you lift it the engine should turn over. It shouldn't need any throttle until it starts to catch. As it warms up reduce the choke until it is completely off. then drive it like you stole it - they love to rev!
Four speed gearbox, same pattern as most cars (can't remember where reverse is but you push down on the lever to engage it). The only complexity is that around that time they still had some non-synchro gearboxes (common on older cars) - you'll find out if you do if it crunches going between the gears especially going down the box.
If it does crunch you will need to double declutch and rev match which sounds horrible but is dead easy (and quite satisfying). To go up the box (from first to second for example) depress the clutch. move the gearstick to neutral and release the clutch, then immediately depress the clutch again and move the lever from neutral to second. Sounds hard but isn't in practice - try it with the engine off first to get the rhythm.
Going down the box (fourth to third for example) is similar with one additional step, when you depress the clutch to go from neutral to third, blip the throttle as you select third then lift the clutch - how much of a blip varies but try and you'll get it.
Hopefully you have a synchro box is which case none of the above applies. Personally I prefer the non-synchro, but I've been told I'm odd
Don't be frightened of them, they are addictive cars, not fast but loads of fun and you'll definitely "pull" if you're driving one as the girlies think they are so cute.
Good luck and let us know how you get on.
I've been reading online that some of these cars have been "modernised" with the fitment of parts from the old FIAT 126, giving them synchro on the gears etc.
I think I need to modify my work timeline above to start with "find out exactly what I have")
Thanks again for all the assistance, I'm hoping to get the car back to my place over the weekend so will update further then
In the meantime, here's a pic that my friend sent me when she asked me to do this:
I think I need to modify my work timeline above to start with "find out exactly what I have")
Thanks again for all the assistance, I'm hoping to get the car back to my place over the weekend so will update further then
In the meantime, here's a pic that my friend sent me when she asked me to do this:
I had a 1971 car "in period" (ANX566J where are you now?), and it had no syncromesh -a pause between gears would suffice going up the box, but double declutching with a blip of throttle essential coming down. They certainly have character -it's a shame the steering has so much free play, as for me this takes away from the driving experience. An oddity is the heater, which bleeds air from the ducts around the cylinders -open the valve, and as well as hot air you get extra noise! I used to bounce the nose up and down to get it in and out of tight parking spaces!
Yours looks a lovely car -worth taking the trouble to sell it well!
Yours looks a lovely car -worth taking the trouble to sell it well!
Thanks Mike, it was a bit of a labour of love to restore for my late friend and took him a reasonable length of time....
I well remember the childish grin on his face when he turned up out of the blue on my drive one day and took me out for a ride.
He's always liked his classics, owning a couple of MGBs as well, but this little car really was his pride and joy, hopefully whoever buys it will enjoy it in the same way.
I well remember the childish grin on his face when he turned up out of the blue on my drive one day and took me out for a ride.
He's always liked his classics, owning a couple of MGBs as well, but this little car really was his pride and joy, hopefully whoever buys it will enjoy it in the same way.
So it's now tucked up in my garage.
I've taken it for a little spin and cleaned it up ready for sale.
Now listed in a couple of the usual places, had some interest already so hopefully it'll go to a new owner to be cherished.
Thanks to all on here for the advice, especially regarding starting / driving!
I've taken it for a little spin and cleaned it up ready for sale.
Now listed in a couple of the usual places, had some interest already so hopefully it'll go to a new owner to be cherished.
Thanks to all on here for the advice, especially regarding starting / driving!
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