1972 Fiat 500L

£ 14 995

Desirable right-hand drive Fiat 500L, finished in Ferrari Rosso Corsa and benefiting from an uprated 650cc Fiat 126 engine, gearbox and axle, Abarth and Spax suspension upgrades, and more.
In current cherished ownership for over 30 years
Subject to extensive specialist works with R. Proietti in 2022, totalling over £5,000

The Fiat 500 is one of the most recognisable and beloved motoring icons of the 20th century, born from post-war Italy’s need for simple, affordable personal transport and elevated to cultural legend through inspired design. Conceived by Dante Giacosa and launched in 1957 as the successor to the much-loved Topolino, the Nuova 500 was shaped not by fashion but by function, its charmingly compact, bulbous body designed around the mechanicals and space for two adults and two very small children. Power came from a diminutive 499cc air-cooled twin-cylinder engine driving the rear wheels through a four-speed crash gearbox, while all-independent suspension endowed the car with sophistication well beyond its size and price. Perfectly suited to the narrow streets and lively spirit of Italian city life, and later offered with features such as a heater, headlamp flasher and full-length sunroof as standard, the classic Fiat 500 remains a symbol of optimism, elegance and intelligent engineering — a small car that left an enormous mark on automotive history.

This charming and desirable right-hand drive Fiat 500L is offered for sale with Klasiko, having been in current ownership for over 30 years. Acquired by the present owner on 13 May 1995, ‘YPX 816L’ had previously been restored, and as the story goes, the bodyshop responsible ordered excess paint from Ferrari while repairing another vehicle — the remainder being used to finish this 500 in the wonderfully evocative shade of Rosso Corsa.

This particular 500L boasts an impressive and well-considered specification, benefiting from an uprated Fiat 126-derived 650cc engine, gearbox and axle, providing a wider rear track and improved drivability. Further upgrades include electronic ignition, an alloy sump extension for increased oil capacity and improved cooling, engine lid props for enhanced airflow, and an Ansa sports exhaust.

Complementing the uprated running gear, the suspension has been comprehensively enhanced with an Abarth front leaf spring, Spax adjustable front dampers, Abarth rear springs (shorter and stiffer), and Spax adjustable rear dampers. Additional features include 12 x 5-inch performance alloy wheels, a Yamaha twin-cylinder rev counter, Nardi steering wheel, and the obligatory mohair sunroof.

‘YPX 816L’ has clearly been cherished and well maintained throughout its long-term ownership. Following a period of limited use, the car benefited from over £5,000 of expenditure in 2022 with marque specialists R. Proietti. Works included removal and steam cleaning of the engine and gearbox along with the engine bay, renewal of the rear main oil seal, powder coating of the engine cowlings, replacement exhaust brackets and repainting of the exhaust system. The engine was fully serviced with new spark plugs, HT leads, fan belt, air intake components, gaskets and hoses, with the tappets correctly set hot. The gearbox oil was renewed, the fuel tank removed, cleaned and refitted with new fuel hoses and filter, and the driveshaft boots replaced.

In addition, the car received a comprehensive front and rear brake overhaul, including new wheel cylinders and a new master cylinder. The top suspension arms and bushes were replaced, track rod end rubber boots renewed, and new rear bump stops fitted. The wheels were refurbished and diamond-cut before being fitted with four new tyres. Further works included the fitment of right-hand drive headlamps, replacement bumpers, new rear window chrome surrounds, and a replacement mohair hood.

Now showing 70,005 miles on the odometer and having benefited from extensive fettling and thoughtful upgrades, this charming Fiat 500L is now offered for sale with Klasiko, presenting an excellent opportunity for a collector or enthusiast seeking a well-presented, well-maintained and carefully developed right-hand drive example of this ever-popular Italian micro-car — with a welcome dose of additional ‘oomph’ for modern-day driving.