Fiat 500D

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Becoming ever more difficult to find, the Fiat 500D is nowadays a very rare and desirable version of the iconic Fiat 500.

The 500D model was launched in 1960, with an extra horsepower over the outgoing model – now up to a neck-snapping 17.5bhp. Other improvements included a padded dashboard (for safety) and a fold-down rear seat backrest (for practicality) while such luxuries as a windscreen washer and a cigarette lighter were offered for the first time. It was the mainstay of 500 production until the advent of the F model in 1965.

This particular example was made in 1963 in left-hand drive and has spent most of its life in sunny Italy, being originally registered in Terni, southern Umbria. Restored some years ago, it has most recently been part of the McGrath Italian collection and has seen little use, being more polished than driven.

The restoration is now nicely mellowed and the body is very sound and particularly attractive in the original colour of Blu Chiaro Marino 486 (light marine blue). The interior is equally lovely and correct with matching pale blue and white trim, white steering wheel and a sunshine roof. Early details abound, like the rear-hinged suicide doors with their gorgeous aluminium door handles and the minimalist round clock speedo.

Recent work includes the fitting of a new clutch, battery, fuel pump, suspension bushes, shock absorbers, steering joints and cylinder head rebuild at a cost of over £1,200 (trade rates). Supplied with a Fiat Heritage Certificate and UK-registered earlier this year, it has just been serviced and flew through its MOT in January with no advisories recorded.