Vehicle Description
1970 Fiat 500L Coupe
It was originally produced as a "people's car.". The original Fiat
500 was designed to be an affordable car for the masses. It was
designed to be cheap to produce and cheap to run, making it
accessible to a wider range of people. Did you know the Fiat 500
was used by the royal family to get around the city when they went
for groceries or errands? It was produced for over 18 years. The
classic Fiat 500 was in production for an impressive 18 years, from
1957 to 1975, making it one of the longest-running models in
automotive history. During its 18 years of production, over 4
million classic Fiat 500s were produced, making it one of the most
popular and successful city cars of all time.
A boy went back to Napoli, because he missed the scenery, the
native dances and the charming songs, but wait a minute,
something's wrong...'Cause now it's......Hey, mambo, mambo
italiano! For consignment, a 1970 version of the Fiat 500 named
after the Cinquecento. The name "Fiat 500" was inspired by the
Italian word "Cinquecento," which means "five hundred". This refers
to the original engine size of 500cc, which was the maximum allowed
by Italian law to be classified as a "small car" and avoid high
taxes. Our version is in restored excellent condition, is carino
come un bottone. Awwww
Exterior
Our bambino piccolo is bathed in Bianca, (white), and saved for a
few of the usual stone chips and very minor faults, the car is
shiny and brite, and has very well minded gaps. This Italian mini
has a nicely rounded noise with a single bezeled headlight on
either corner, another circular signal light a little lower, and a
curved around shiny chromed bumper below. A nice wide front hinged
door allows access for those of even a larger frame, and for the
back a lift gate if you will for access to the engine. All your
stuff can be stored inside as the front bonnet space is somewhat
taken up by the fuel tank and spare tire. The rounded roof line has
a canvas foldable top which allows plenty of air inside and a
wonderful view of the cumuli-nimbus' above in the blue sky. 12-inch
steel wheels in gray are wrapped by 145/70R12's all around all with
plenty of tread. Abbondanza!
Interior
Swinging either off the wide doors reveals vertical ribbed black
stitched panels providing a background for the actuators and
cranks. On the bottom is a long storage "bin" if you will. Inside
we are greeted by dual low back black vinyl tuck and rolled bomber
styled buckets, in fine condition.In the back is a long bench for 2
or 3 if one is a smaller individual. A center console races between
the buckets and to the dash. It's black and houses the vertical
shift lever and a storage bin. The dash is all very simple, but
still effective with all black molded vinyl, and a geometrically
shaped speedo and a few simple warning lights just below. Just a
smattering of toggles are seen in the dash central and hanging
below is an open storage bin. Oh, and lest I forget an ash
receptacle is on top of the dash in the center. Carpeting is black
and gray with a small checked pattern and is very clean and tidy.
Just enough to be simple yet effective and all ergonomic. Loss in
miniatura
Drivetrain
This version came across the pond with just a bit more cc's than
the usual 500, as it sports a 595cc 4 popper. It is fed by a Weber
261MB4 single 1-barrel carburetor, and has a 4 speed manual
transmission driving the rear wheels through a 5.125 axle. The
engine exhales through a stock exhaust, and shows with slight
corrosion and just a smattering of surface rust, but runs like a
Swiss watch as it too has been restored by a professional. Potenza
compatta.
Undercarriage
Underneath I see a bit of invasive rust on various areas of the
floor pans particularly near the aft sections of the front wheel
wells. On the drivers side there is some invasive rust on the frame
creating a small hole. Undercoating is patinaed, and other surfaces
show some surface rust, however the car remains structurally sound.
For the front suspension we can note transverse leaf springs, and
on back an independent swing arm with coil springs. Drum brakes are
on all four corners.
Drive-Ability
My first time behind the wheel of one of these cinquecentos and it
was a quick fire up and smooth idle before heading off to the test
track. Here it performed with nice acceleration, bias free braking
for the panic stop and all functions were in working order. I
really wanted to slide it through the turns but refrained as it's
the perfect car to do so, as its not mine.
A very nice example which for the consignor has lots-of-memories:
used in his wedding, some small, (sic), family trails and a real
eye catcher being featured in some local commercials. So star of
stage and screen and life, this mini has class, spunk and comfort
all wrapped up into a small but mighty package. Come in and scoop
it up and give it AMORE! ...When the moon hits your eye...
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our
showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just
1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The
website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888)
227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come
see the vehicle in person.
