2008 Fiat 500 Ferrari Edition

‘FX08 FXX’ is a genuine right-hand drive, UK-market Fiat 500 Ferrari Dealer Edition that benefits from the sort of comprehensive service history that demonstrates that every single one of its owners has appreciated how special it is.

Including the seller, who added it to his collection a couple of years ago and has kept it in dry storage ever since.

Fresh from a recent recommissioning service, #191/200 still shows fewer than 11,000 miles on the odometer and is in a stunning condition for a car that’s now old enough to vote.

The Rosso Red paintwork gleams as well now as it’s ever done; while the colour can be prone to fade in the sun, the combination of limited use and careful curation – this one’s also been ceramic coated – means it is as vivid and cheery as ever.

The panels are good too, with excellent alignment and the sort of tight and consistent shutlines that could have been drawn on with a black Sharpie: Long gone are the days when Italian car owners had to excuse their car’s lacklustre build quality.

There are no ripples along the flanks either, nor dents, dinks, or scuffs, even on vulnerable spots like the four corners and the door mirrors.

The panoramic sunroof leads on from the windscreen, giving a cohesive look that contrasts very nicely with the Rosso Red coachwork. Of course, it also floods the cabin with light and makes what might otherwise feel like a small space feel surprisingly large, even when it is closed.

Open it though, and you could almost be in a convertible; it certainly offers a similar feeling to a targa-topped car like the 911. It also slides fore and aft smoothly, seals securely, and its sunblind is undamaged.

Chrome door handles give a retro feel, while the Scuderia wing shields show passersby that they’re in the presence of something rather special.

Something the alloy wheels contribute to, their black-and-silver design being subtly enhanced with a red outer centre cap and the matching brake calipers.

These are also in a fine condition; free of scuffs and scrapes, they’re fitted with a matching set of 195/45R16 Hankook Ventus S1 Evo tyres. Made in 2014, while they have plenty of tread left, they are age-perished and need replacing.

Nevertheless, we will never get tired of telling you that experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly.

The brightwork is beyond reproach too, and the lamp lenses are clear and free of chips and cracks. The numberplates – and yes, the personalised number will be staying with the car – feature ‘Maranello Ferrari’ along the bottom, which is a nice touch.

Apertures are clean and free of rubbing marks, rubber seals are plump and pliable, and everything has a freshness to it that makes it look like a much younger car.

Which means that blemishes are few: The top of the windscreen is delaminating, and the front end has a few touched-up stonechips. That’s it.

The Rossi Red theme continues inside with the dashboard. Spanning the full width of the cabin, the leitmotif is picked up by red stitching on the steering wheel.

There’s a stout metal gearknob for the six-speed gearbox too, and this fills the hand every bit as well as that fat-rimmed steering wheel.

Nor must we forget the alloy pedals, which sit above a dimpled heel protector.

The Nero leather seats are suitably sporty and grippy, and while high-G shenanigans probably isn’t on the cards, they are supremely comfortable. In a great condition too, with almost no visible wear bar some very light creasing to the outer edge of the driver’s seat.

We also love the smaller details like the funky round headrests and the natty Magneti Marelli sat-nav that sits on top of the dashboard; the Fiat 500 doesn’t take itself too seriously, and every journey feels like an adventure.

‘Limited edition’ sill plates and the numbered plaque on the dashboard – this example is #191/200 – add authenticity and style in equal measure.

The boot contains what seems to be an unused space-saver spare wheel and tool kit. It’s also a good size and very clean, with a solid and rust-free floor and only minimal marks to the rear of the back seat.

Everything we tested did what it should with the sole exception of the passenger window, which doesn’t work. It’s in the up position though, so is more of an inconvenience than a problem you’ll need to address straight away.

Cosmetically, the rear seats have some dimples from being folded forward and the uprights that support the front headrests are tarnished. Again, that’s not a lot for an eighteen-year-old car, is it?

The Fiat’s service history is as follows:

· 10.04.2026 and 10,876 miles – service by Millroad Motors

· 16.04.2024 and 10,788 miles – service by WLMG of Reading

· 11.04.2024 and 10,770 miles – new cambelt and front and rear brake discs by Car Sales of Thatcham

· 19.07.2023 and 10,738 miles – service by Wilson’s

· 09.06.2022 and 10,545 miles – service by Wilson’s

· 14.06.2021 and 10,127 miles – service by Wilson’s

· 15.07.2020 and 9,581 miles – service by Wilson’s

· 18.05.2017 and 8,005 miles – service by Wilson’s including new sparkplugs

· 18.02.2016 and 7,171 miles – service by Wilson’s

A new air-conditioning condenser and high-pressure pipe were fitted in August 2017.

As you can see, it starts readily and idles well. It revs freely too, and the Monza sports exhaust system, with its twin tailpipes, gives the 1.4-litre engine a satisfyingly fruity note.

The engine bay is as clean as you’d expect to find on a car with such a low mileage and such a comprehensive service history.

The underside is clean and straight, and while some of the paint has worn away to reveal surface corrosion, this could be remedied very easily. A couple of rubber bungs are also missing, so you might like to add them to your (very short) list of jobs to do.

The Fiat’s MoT certificate, which is valid until April 2027, was issued with no advisories, just like the previous four.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear, and the history file includes the Fiat wallet and book pack, the stamped service history booklet, and plenty of invoices.

Many of these found their way into the collections of the Ferrari network’s most favoured customers, which makes them vanishingly rare on the open market.

Clearly influencing the later – and much more expensive – Abarth 695 Tributo, the fact we think you’ll be able to pick this one up for between £13,000 and £15,000 confirms there is rarely a link between how cool a car is and its value.

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’.