Fiat 500L
Nothing quite says summer like a classic 500. This one is ready to enjoy and has an opening roof to boot, says Rob Scorah.
Diminutive though it might be, you’re not going to misplace this car in archetypal Fiat yellow. The car’s last-but-one owner can be thanked for the Fiat’s sunny glow – he commissioned its restoration in 2007. There is a record of its painting by SJ Restorations of Nottingham in the history folder.
The bodywork remains largely in good condition, with panels that fit well, and doors and lids that shut squarely without creaks or resistance. Despite only having done 3500 miles since its restoration, it’s showing its age in places. While most seams and joins look good, the paint around the rear bumper mounts is starting to look a little untidy and the metal below the nearside passenger door sill has cracks in the paint along its length. There is also light surface corrosion on the underside of the front wheelarches. However, the yellow wheels look smart.
Like the paint, overall, the brightwork looks to be very good, with the (refinished) chrome showing a deep shine. The main exceptions are the discoloured metal on both sides of the opening quarterlights.
The black vinyl sunroof is in good shape, opening and closing smoothly. It adds a welcome further dimension to driving this little car in the summer. Beneath it, the stylishly minimal black interior is clean and in excellent condition right down to nooks and crannies such as door wells and hinges.
Like the restoration record, the history file imparts confidence as to how the car might drive. Besides the original, tatty handbook and a very comprehensive workshop manual, there is a good number of bills from 2014 on. In that time, the Fiat has had a carburettor rebuild, had its fuel pump replaced, and had a new front wheel bearing and brake overhaul. Under the bonnet everything appears tidy, though the little aircooled engine is spitting some oil through the dipstick O-ring – a repair set to be done before the car leaves the dealer.
The 500 is not a car in which to take yourself too seriously, but that makes driving it all the more fun. The experience is enhanced by the fact that this example does all the right things – at least Fiat 500-wise – to keep you entertained. The four-speed is a crash ’box, but that shouldn’t deter a non-synchro novice – with a little less haste and smooth pedalling, gear changes are crunch-free. The floor-mounted, over-centre pedals can feel a bit odd at first, but power take-up and acceleration are smooth. There are no whines or rattles and the air-cooled motor sings away agreeably, but the little car is easily intimidated by steep hills.
Price is probably about right for a solid example – some are pitching a lot higher for ever more fashionable retro-minimalism. It’s mechanically sound and ready to drive right now, though some might think it’s getting ready for a cosmetic refresh. That could wait for a winter break.