Fiat 500L
Fiat might have not be have invented the mini car
segment, but it definitely put its mark on it with the original 500.
Introduced in 1957, the classic 500, which serves as
a proud ancestor to the modern one, was marketed as a cheap and practical town
car, measuring just 3 meters (~118 in) in length and powered by a 479 cc,
two-cylinder, air-cooled engine.
Thanks to its appealing design and practicality, it
quickly captured the hearts and minds of the European audience, and it went
through a few changes up until 1975, when production came to a stop.
Pictured here is a 1970-made example, which wears
adds the 'L' (Lusso) suffix, meaning that it’s the penultimate model, and it
came with a modernized interior and a revised dashboard. Moreover, the car also
welcomed a few extra horses to its stable after its engine was upgraded to 499
cc.
Finished in a Mustard Yellow, applied over a black
vinyl interior, the car spent most of its life in Italy, but has been
registered this year in the UK, and it's said to be in a "generally good
condition, starting readily, and running well".
If you happen to be at the NEC, Birmingham, on November 12, for
SilverstoneAuctions' Classic Motor Show Sale. It's also good to know that this
classic Fiat 500 is offered at no reserve.
