1969 FIAT 500L

This bright and charming Fiat 500L was first registered in 1969 in its motherland. Next to nothing is known of the car’s early life. In 2013 the little car underwent a full nut and bolt restoration in Italy, commissioned by a Fiat 500 specialist from Monaco. The restoration included a full interior and exterior respray on a rotisserie, a full interior retrim and a complete mechanical rebuild. Some original parts were retained, where their condition was deemed good enough.

By 2014 this fully restored Italian beauty found itself in the UK and registered with the DVLA in December of that year. Two UK keepers followed before current owner, Simon. The car covered a little under 3,000 km in the last 10 years.

It is fair to say that Simon has loved owning this car and has cared for it very diligently. Much maintenance work has been undertaken during his tenure, and he remarks on how well received the little car is by all who experience it. So why is he selling, I hear you ask. In his own words “I don't use her enough and she deserves an owner who will love and cherish her regularly on the roads, not just in the garage!”

The first thing that strikes one about this 500L is its delightful Rosso-Corallo (coral red) paintwork. Applied during the 2013 restoration, the finish has subsequently been preserved by limited use in dry conditions and diligent garaging. Its orange-cum-terracotta hue is very appealing and suits the minimal and unencumbered design language of the Nuovo 500 very well indeed. This finish appears appropriately thick, smooth and in keeping with the period of the car. The bodywork looks equally pristine with tight and symmetrical panel gaps noted all around this diminutive car.

Minimal it may be, but this is the “L” remember. As such it is less minimal than many of its brethren thanks to the signature ercolini, tubular bumper overriders and a full-length Webasto fabric folding roof panel. The latter was fitted new during the 2013 restoration, and all these facets combine to make a very positive impression indeed. Our consignment team confirms this initial impression noting only a few minor stone chips and a small scratch as warranting note.

This tiny car rides on equally minuscule 12-inch steel wheels. These are finished in silver paintwork and are centred with period correct and deeply chromed conical wheel trims. Both wheels and trims appear to be original and in a fine overall condition. The steel rims are shod with a matching set of virtually new (2,000 kms covered) Pirelli Cinturato 54 period-correct OEM tyres fitted at a significant cost.

In many ways the L’s cabin was its “pièce de résistance” with the most obvious upgrades finding homes there. Our example is upholstered in pristine-looking black vinyl upholstery. This features padded, vertical box pleats for additional comfort, support and luxury……relatively speaking. The front seats recline – another unique “L” refinement – and tip forward to facilitate ingress and egress to the rear bench. Door cards and rear side panels are finished with deeply padded and pleated black vinyl, adding to the luxurious ambience. Vibrant red carpets are precisely fitted throughout with the front footwells benefitting from built-in ribbed heel pads.

The dashboard is positively decadent by “normal” 500 standards. The whole fascia is finished with a non-reflective, black vinyl. Instrumentation is courtesy of that horizontal Veglia Borletti speedometer from the Fiat 850. This incorporates a vertically orientated fuel gauge and a family of warning lights and tell-tales. This sits behind the original twin-spoke steering wheel with its red Fiat boss. There are even some storage cubbies in evidence – one mounted on the centre console and one which is suspended below the fascia. The roof is essentially filled by the fabric underside of that new Webasto style folding roof – a Fiat 500 signature originally introduced to save steel, and hence cost!

A modicum of additional storage is offered by the front luggage compartment. In reality this is a space shared with the spare wheel, jack, Fiat tool kit, fuel tank and storage but there is certainly room for a squashy bag or two. The original Fiat data plate is also in evidence here.

About three meters south of this area you will find the more powerful 499cc, 18bhp version of the twin cylinder, Type 110, air cooled unit which was introduced to the 500 in 1960. This was carried over from the F unchanged and produced its peak power at 4,600 rpm and was accompanied by 22 Ib-ft of torque at 2,200 rpm. Modest numbers, of course, but with only around 500 kg to propel, the little twin provides more than adequate performance for crowded city streets. Simon confirms that this unit has been extensively restored and is “like new with no oil leaks or damage and literally purrs like a kitten.” 

For ultimate reliability and enhanced usability, Simon has commissioned some well-chosen mechanical enhancements. These include an electronic fuel pump fitted by the fuel tank to bypass the underwhelming mechanical item originally fitted. The best aftermarket voltage regulator available is fitted, coupled with a solid-state coil to eradicate any customary hot running issues.

The engine bay of our example helps to confirm that the mechanicals have been subject to the same diligent attention as the rest of the car. The inner panels are solid, straight and well finished with the bulkhead protected with painted underseal. Numerous new and recent looking parts are noted whilst an admirable level of originality is maintained. The 110F engine type number and original serial number are clearly visible etched into the block. The engine drives the rear wheels of the 500Lvia a four-speed manual transmission.

This little 500 is accompanied by a good level of interesting and original paperwork and provenance. This includes documentation relating to the car’s registration and ownership. There are a number of documents and copies relating to the little Fiat’s Italian history including a number relating to its export to the UK in 2014.

The UK V5 registration document is on hand classifying the 500L as an Historic Vehicle based on its age. As such the Fiat is MoT exempt and zero rated for road tax. Despite that, a valid, advisory free MoT in hard copy is also present. Numerous invoices for work undertaken and parts procured make up the rest of the file. 

Simon confirms the work undertaken during his stewardship includes:

• Jun 2024 - spring recommission - carb strip & rebuild, new engine earth strap, fit new voltage regulator, cylinder compression test and more - £450
• May 2024 - Voltage regulator (top quality part) - £103
• Nov 2021 - collection, new electronic fuel pump, steering idler & bulb - £270
• Nov 2021 - steering idler (part) - £35
• May 2021 -fit new mechanical fuel pump, clean and re-fit carburettor - £150
• Apr 2021 - mechanical fuel pump (part) - £35
• Nov 2019 -major service incl. wheel bearings, distributor recon, points, plugs, oil, clutch cable adjustment - £564
• Oct 2019 - wheel bearing kit, condenser, points (parts) - £108
• Nov 2016 - replace inner drive shaft boots (specialist) - £140

The Fiat 500 is an Italian industrial design classic in the same mould as Vespa’s debut 1946 scooter or Achille Gaggia’s classic, commercial espresso machines of the same era. It is quintessentially Italian in every way. Of the numerous model variants created, the L model is prized by enthusiasts for its equitable blend of usability, relative luxury, value for money and parts availability.

This example has benefitted from a very thorough and professional restoration in 2013. Since then, it has been cherished and diligently kept by a true enthusiast. As such, it represents a particularly appealing example of this much-loved Italian classic and a charming ownership opportunity.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £8,000 - £12,000.

This auction has 5% (+ VAT) buyer's fees on top of the 'hammer', minimum £600.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET HQ in South Oxfordshire. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays (apart from Bank Holidays) between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.