1967 Fiat 500

This left-hand-drive Fiat 500 is an iconic motor, not particularly due to its internal styling or performance. However, thanks to the additional trims like Carlo Abarth’s 696 SS series, the sportier aspects of the 500 really came through. Only 1,000 of these cars were built, of which only 150 are thought to remain. This has led to the Abarth becoming a popular replica and custom project for owners of the little city car.

Built in 1967, this Fiat 500 110F Berlina has recently been restored and retrimmed into a very pleasant replica of the Abarth’s sporty styling, with grey and black paintwork, a new, eye-catching set of seats and a brand-new set of wheels. It’s still carrying the original 499cc engine, but looks one step beyond your run-of-the-mill 500, and it has just 8172 miles on the odometer! It’s hard not to be drawn into this car’s magnetic charm but the vendor is parting with this motor after recently making an impulse auction purchase. After receiving the car, he soon realised that he is unable to store it as he owns several other vehicles.

Finished in pastel grey with Abarth coachwork and accents, this motor has a cheerful yet sporty character. As a compact motor, the FIAT 500’s length is around 3.1 meters (approximately 10 feet) and has a width of about 1.32 meters (approximately 4.3 feet) as it was designed to be a practical and affordable city car. It has a rounded shape, with gentle curves that give it a cute appearance. The paintwork appears somewhat rough on the sills and shows some minor cracks/chips, namely a scuff to the base of the A-bar on the driver’s side. The front end has a simple and clean look, with round headlights integrated into the front fenders. The front grille is modest in size, and the Abarth emblem is located at the centre and it comes with a fabric sunroof for open-air driving. To the side, there is some cracking to the paintwork on the passenger door and there is also some evidence of rust to the passenger door edge. The rubber seals around rear and windscreen have some mild discolouration. The chrome trim elements, such as bumpers, door handles, and window frames are clean and well-kept with minor signs of pitting or wear. The headlight glasses and windows appear to be in excellent order and the newly fitted set of wheels with Abarth caps and a new set of tyres look tidy.

With a compact cabin, this motor has a newly fitted interior, including leather seats with red piping, stitching and Abarth badges. It can accommodate two passengers in the front and two passengers in the rear. There is some light wear to the edging of the seats and could do with a clean. The black textured door cards are in good condition with no visible scuffs or tears. Chromework shows some wear with pitting and discolouration, but the dark grey carpets are in very good order. The newly painted metal dashboard in soft blue-grey is minimalist, featuring basic controls and gauges, furnished with an Abarth emblem to the right of the switches. Inside the ash tray shows evidence of rust. The red-wrapped combination speedometer and odometer adds a sporty touch and the instruments and features all work as expected. The Red stitched leather gearstick knob is floor-mounted. The windows are manually operated and the car's controls, such as lights, wipers, and ventilation are operated using simple knobs and switches.

This Abarth comes with a 449cc straight-twin engine, mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox.

The rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive layout of the Fiat 500 is core to this model. Like all Abarths, the differences are found in the mechanical upgrades that helped to increase its top speed to around 140 km/h (87 mph). The exhaust pipe, head and valve-springs were upgraded and specially designed pistons and camshaft were fitted. We understand that the car does not idle particularly well and it runs lumpy when cold. It also gets hot soon after running, so a prospective buyer may want to put this car on the ramp to inspect these issues further. The engine bay and engine look tidy and dry, and everything appears to be in its right and proper place.

This car was registered in January 1967 and does not come with an active MoT. Built in 1967 as a Fiat 500 110F Berlina, it was restored and trimmed as an Abarth replica in Italy in 2021. It comes with its original Italian registration certificate included and original shipping consignment note included. This motor was imported in 2021 to the UK and the V5c is included with the sale.

The impossibly cute and sporty Fiat 500 Abarth is a car that transcends functionality and utility. It is a model that pulls at your emotions like few other machines can. We suspect nearly every car enthusiast could imagine themselves owning and driving an original 500.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located BonhamsICars Online HQ, United Kingdom. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.