Description

1972 CLASSIC FIAT 500 LUSSO
Fresh photographic restoration, customised interior and original accessories.
Coupled with a desirable 650cc & synchronised gearbox.

~ Exterior ~

It's rare to find an entry level classic with a comprehensive photographic restoration. However, whilst restoring this 500, the previous owners took the care of capturing the process of restoring the body work of their car. This ensure a visual understanding of the work carried out and adds to the history of the car for the years to come.

The paint is in immaculate conditions: smooth and streamlined. It wraps around the curves of the car and shines & reflects in the sun. A black finish creates a great contrast with the shining chrome accessories fitted around the 500 and gives a Luxury impression to the car - living by the Lusso model name. Gaps between panels are great. Doors shut tight, all hooks and catches work as they should. Door windows and quarter light all open fully and the new sunroof is smooth, stainless and rust free (see pictures below!).

There are no signs of rust on the car, no bubbling from poor quality primer. All gaskets and seals have been fitted and allow for a water resistant experience. Places where rust would accumulate and create again seem to have been taken care of: they are clean and very smooth (see photos near sunroof and windshield).

The iconic bumpers and headlight surround trims, as well as all badges are period-correct and match the year of registration and model (Lusso). Chrome trims around the windshield and rear window also add to the originality and further wrap the car in that Classic feeling cars are simply not getting anymore.

Original Carello front fog lights are fully functional and operated from an interior switch. The lighting system has been freshly restored with a new lights switch stalk, new cabling for the fog lights and a cleansed rewiring of the system throughout in the UK.

The Vitaloni Californian wing mirrors also add to the uniqueness of the car: originally designed for the high-end sports cars (such as the Ferrari 308 GTB) have been fitted, although, we may not be able to certify their originality. Regardless, they are well known for their aerodynamic efficiency (thus a quieter ride) but we think they compliment the car greatly, adding a touch of uniqueness and sportiness.

A set of brand new chromed door handles has been fitted in the UK. This 500 is supplied with 2 keys for doors.
Lastly, some tasteful Fiat original wheels have been adapted to wrap the vehicle and add a touch of black to them.

For it to have a trailer queen exterior, we would recommend spending some time inspecting the front windshield which presents some scratches from a previously misuse of worn out blades.

~ Interior ~

This Classic Fiat 500 Lusso retains original interior features such as seat trims, door cards, and the model-unique covered dashboard (all replaced with new parts during the restoration). The metal frame of the seats is in great shape, presenting no rust or corrosion (see photos).
This freshly restored interior gives a clean feel to the car and creates a great place to be in.
A rare and original 'Veglia Borletti' car clock is also fitted on the dashboard!

A brand new mahogany steering wheel with chromed spokes has also been fitted in the UK and compliments and contrasts the black interior elegantly. Right behind it, a brand new lights switch has been fitted and wired upon its arrival in England. An era-original steering wheel lock is also installed on the car, which replaces the central dashboard ignition switch, now replaced with a 12v plug for modern day smartphone charging abilities. To compliment the new accessories, a Made in Italy, Luisi manufactured, brushed aluminium gear knob has also been fitted at the same time as the steering wheel.

Interior parts replaced during the restoration also include a headlining, carpets and floor mats which have benefitted with a fresh replacement in the UK.

Small details have also been taken care of, for example the dashboard light has been replaced with a brighter-but-not-intrusive LED.

The interior could benefit with accessories such as door pockets and original-style window winders for it to be loyal to Fiat specification. Parts which could be overlooked for an common drive, but essential for high class concours.

~ Engine and mechanical parts ~

The 650cc Fiat 126 sourced engine with a synchronised transmission coupled with this elegant Fiat 500 is probably the most desirable of combinations amongst the options available. This is not only due to its improved driving experience and more pleasurable single clutching operation, but it also improves safety on fast roads and on emerging from junctions. Braking on this 500 is also in good order.
Upon test driving it for a fair amount of miles, this 2-cylinder air cooled engine seemed to prove its reliability by reaching a whooping 70 miles per hour (!) without any issues.
All fluids have also been topped up, namely braking fluid and engine oil.

The engine is fresh and fires up at the 'pull of the lever'. Every gear clicks in place and stay in gear whilst driving. At the heart of this Fiat 126 engine is a very clean and original Weber 28 IMB.
Mechanical work carried out to this vehicle in the UK include a small-scale starter motor overhaul, which ensures the well-known problem of being faulty when the engine is warm will not be present in the near future. Distribution cap, points and brush are in good order and do not let this 2 cylinder miss a beat!



~ Overall ~

We can quite comfortably say this Classic Fiat 500 is unique in its kind: from the Black wet-paint look on it, to a myriad of period-original accessories carrying important racing/automotive names and history (namely Vitaloni, Veglia Borletti and Luisi).

Supplied a long M.O.T, a digital and paper photographic book, black number plates and UK V5, this Classic Fiat 500 is both a great investment but also a fun-machine to drive on country lanes.

The lucky owner of this 500 will be able to benefit from a drive-me-home sale if provided with an insurance.