Fiat 500L

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Dante Giacosa’s masterpiece of minimalist motoring, the '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 which gave the 500 huge appeal that got the masses motoring. Powered by a revvy and unburstable twin-cylinder 499cc air-cooled engine with a four-speed crash gearbox, the nippy and frugal 500 was an instant success both at home and abroad.

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.

The vast majority of 500s were made in left-hand drive and it is relatively unusual to come across a right-hand drive example such as this. Dating from May 1972 it appears to have had just one owner from 1997 until very recently, according to an Experian check, but it comes with only a partial V5 so it is hard to be sure.

As you can see, the car is clearly in need of restoration and one of the front wheels has become detached but it appears to be complete and the engine still runs. Altogether a straightforward project that should amply reward the remedial works now required.