Fiat 500 supply exceeds demand – so grab one now

Values of the cutest Fiat have stalled and right now there are close to 100 for sale in the UK. The halo of the £18,500 paid five years ago for Samantha Cameron’s ’71 500 has worn off. But the enduring appeal of Italy’s people-car-poppet will continue and now looks a good time to buy because supply has exceeded demand.

Most have had fortunes spent on restoration that often add up to half their advertised prices. Belvoir Classics in Leicestershire has a sharp 35,000-mile left-hook ’72 500L in orange for £7250 while a private seller in York has a restored RHD ’73 in white with 22,000 original miles for £6250. Mid-fifties cars with suicide doors are still big money though – up to £30k – with Woldside Classics in Lincolnshire advertising a mint and gorgeous green 1959 RHD for £29,750. But the odd cheap Sixties example does come up, like the pretty white LHD 40,000mile ’67 offered by The Red Vehicle Company in Buckinghamshire for £6995 – not dear for a MKI with the coveted round speedo. Home supplied right-hookers are more valuable but having a steering wheel on the left doesn’t put off all buyers. Look for well restored cars with evidence of extensive bodyshell work and beware bodged Italian examples. If the metalwork has been properly sorted the mechanicals are the easy bit. Don’t be put off by Fiat 126 650cc engine transplants, electronic ignition and front discs – they transform drivability. In December CCA sold a RHD ’73 with total bare shell resto and £20k of bills for £12,100. That’s strong value, cheaper than the equivalent Mini and a lot cheekier.