Fiat 500L

A masterpiece of minimalist motoring, the Dante Giacosa designed 'Nuova' 500 was launched in 1957 to replace the famous and much loved 500 'Topolino'.

Making our own Mini look positively bloated, its tiny bulbous body nevertheless had room for two adults and two bambini and gave the 500 huge character. Powered by a miniscule twin-cylinder 499cc air cooled engine with a four speed crash gearbox, the car was an instant success both at home and abroad. It retains a cult following today with famous owners including none other than F1 legend, Michael Schumacher.

Fundamentally unaltered throughout its 18-year production life, the 500 was fantastic value for money with all independent suspension, a heater and full length sunroof as standard when many much more expensive cars still listed these as options. A surprisingly spacious estate version was also available called the Giardiniera. Production finally ceased in 1975 to make way for the new and infinitely less characterful Fiat 126.

This 1971 right-hand drive Fiat 500L was restored to a high standard in 2007 after a 15 year laid-up period, when it was finished in the attractive yellow it now sports. The vendor, only the third owner of this Italian icon and a retired classic car restorer, acquired the 500L in 2011 both as a nostalgic throw back to his student days and as a challenge to perfect an already exceptionally good example of the type.

To that effect the following work took place: replacement of all serviceable ignition parts including coil; detailed inspection of engine and transmission, both found in top form with the exception of the driveshafts which were replaced; carburettor overhauled and perishable engine rubber items replaced; brakes overhauled with new hydraulic cylinders all around; front wheel bearings replaced; chrome parts replaced including front Lusso bar, rear number plate light, front and rear window trim, bright work and weather strips around door windows, LH quarter light and both external door handles. New carpets were fitted along with a new battery and a new front transverse spring.

Full serviced prior to the sale, the car is said to drive beautifully, exhibiting all the charm and brio that earned it the affection of such big names as Michael Schumacher, Jean Alesi, Gordon Murray and Peter Stevens to name but a few. The speedometer is now showing a mere 48,000 miles and it has an MOT certificate until October and is taxed until the end of September. Details of the original restoration and subsequent parts invoices along with an original owner’s handbook and a copy of the factory workshop manual are included in the sale.