Fiat 500 Fast and Fun! (1970)
for sale
Price: US $19,900.00
Price: US $19,900.00
Fresh restoration and heavily modified, great driving!
1970 Fiat 500 Coupe
A replacement for Fiat's much-loved 500 'Topolino', the Nuova 500 debuted in 1957. A radical departure from its predecessor's essentially pre-war design, FIAT's new baby featured unitary construction, an opening fabric roof and all-independent suspension. Carried at the rear, the half-liter engine was an air-cooled overhead-valve twin. The basic 500's austerity was not well received, however, prompting the introduction of a revised and better equipped version endowed with refinements such as hubcaps, wind-down windows, upholstered rear seat and column-mounted switchgear stalks. This process of step-by-step improvement would continue throughout the 500's life.
Carlo Abarth's company found a key growth opportunity with the launch of the Fiat 500. Fiat's new family mini-sedan was a brilliant base for tuning and Abarth's upgraded version, sold in derivazione or derivation kits to dealers and garages for fitting into stock 600s proved wildly popular. Abarth was also a very clever businessman. His affordable 'performance cars' were ideal for the private entry racer, the quintessential drive to the track, race and drive home car. Through a sponsor partnership deal secured with Fiat, he was paid for every win or second place a Fiat Abarth scored.
It is with the Abarth 'screamer' in mind that the car offered here was built, taking it to the next level. Recently imported from Italy the car was subject to a comprehensive restoration. Starting with a rust-free original car, it was stripped for a re-paint in the hugely desirable white it sported from new. The car shows no sign of ever having been in an accident and panel fit is consistent and excellent throughout. All Brightwork is as-new, the glass is perfect, and the car rides on fat alloy wheels shod with nearly new tires. The odometer reads only 2, 232 km (1500 miles) from restoration and modification. And that brings us to the modifications:
The engine was rebored and fully rebuilt from the crank up and features:
Mondial pistons and valve guides
Uprated Rally valve springs
Lavazzo Tecno stainless steel valves
Uprated Sport Connecting rod bearings – brushed and polished
Lavazzo Tecno 55-75 camshaft
Abarth oil recovery pan
Modified aluminium valve covers and oil pan
Ported head with high performance gaskets
The exhaust is a Lavazzo Tecno full system. The alternator and distributor are upgraded and there is a double ignition coil. And there is an anti-vibration spacer and support on to which is mounted that fantastic and huge Weber 40.
The 4-speed gearbox was rebuilt and shifts perfectly through a new and upgraded clutch.
Attention was then given to the brakes and suspension, both fully upgraded with Abarth parts.
The result is a total screamer. It revs to 7000rpm with ease. The car is quick, like Mini 1275+ quick, and handles in a similar manner. It accelerates well by even modern standards and will happily cruise at freeway speeds. It is an absolute blast to drive!
The stylish interior in bianco with blue accents was fully refurbished and remains in excellent condition throughout. Dash, carpets and panels are all excellent, and the seats are unmarked, and feel fresh, new and comfortable. All electrical systems work perfectly and a brand new battery was just installed.
The car is simply a blast to drive! I think I mentioned that. I mean A REAL BLAST! It feels bright and eager to run. I would genuinely drive it anywhere without consideration and have great fun doing it! The car is offered with a clean, clear California title.
With genuine Abarth 500s selling for $50, 000 or more at auction, this is a great opportunity to buy a turn-key icon of Italian motoring and enduring symbol of la dolce vita, which seats four comfortably and garners attention, waves and cheers wherever it goes. It’s quick, fun and loud and a piece of cake to park!!
update: 2015-09-15
Condition: | Used | VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): | ABC123 |
Year: | 1970 | Exterior Color: | White |
Make: | Fiat | Interior Color: | White & Blue |
Model: | 500 | Number of Cylinders: | 2 |
Trim: | . | Transmission: | Manual |
Engine: | Rebuilt twin | Body Type: | Coupe |
Drive Type: | RWD | Warranty: | Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty |
Mileage: | 1,500 | Vehicle Title: | Clear |
Sub Model: | Fast and Fun! | For Sale By: | Private Seller |