Fiat Convertible Original 1500 engine and 5-speed trans

A big shout-out to the guys over there at Bring-a-trailer. com (BAT). who really seem to know and like their little Italian cars.   I do like those rare Lancia cars and some of the others I cannot even pronounce.

I have a 1966 Fiat 1500 Cabriolet for sale.  This car is presently licensed. plated. nbsp;and registered in my name here in Phoenix. AZ (the plate shown on it just shows that it was last registered in '09 by the previous owner).  I would like to have restored this little car but I have a few other classics ahead of it that I have owned for 10+ years and their time has now come.   Besides. I don't really know a darn thing about these little cars.     At this time I would not consider the car a "daily driver".   It will need attention to a number of things.   First of importance would be the brakes.   Although it was said to have been given a complete brake job just before it was stored by the previous owner. I would still give them a complete once-over.   I have driven it down the street as recently as three days ago.   It will come to a complete stop. but I hear what I believe is a caliper hanging up on one of the rotors.   I don't suggest further driving until the matter is fixed.  

The engine starts right up and runs very well. and the transmission shifts well through each of the five gears without any grinding or popping out of gear. This car has a good deal of torque in second gear and continuing through third. very strong engine.

There is an oil leak somewhere around the oil pan.   It should be looked into further.   The oil pan itself may be the issue.   It has a few dents in it from maybe a misplaced floor jack or two.

The paint job on this car will never win any car shows.   It was repainted from its original white to the color you see now and it was done a long time ago (think 25 years or more ago).   If there were paint jobs available back then for $100. then this one only cost $50.     The pictures make it look better than it really is. unless you're 50 feet away.    It has nicks and scratches and dings and chips and you name it.   It should be repainted.

There are areas of the floor that need to be addressed. especially the passenger side.   See the pictures.   I don't know that safety is so much the issue but rather aesthetics and presentation.   I suppose it depends on what level of restoration one is looking to do and for what purpose.   Patch panels versus complete floor pans? I have contacted a local restoration guy who would be willing to repair all the floor issues for $600 + or - with patch panels.    I don't know what complete floor pans cost or where to get them.

Although the original bumpers still have some shine to them there are a few dents in them.   These would be fixed if you were to have them re-chromed.

Note the original hubcaps. I only have 3 of them.   Note the rare trim rings on the driver's side pictures. those are the only two I have.    thought you should know.

Now some good news:

Turn the key it starts right up. The engine runs real strong.   The transmission works as it should.   The rear end has no issues.

The interior is being redone as we speak.   The dash and door panels were done for the pictures.   The carpet is just laid in place to give you an idea of what it will look like when finished.   The seats are just covered with seat covers.   The complete interior will be finished (dash. door panels. seats. carpet thruout. rear deck over the battery area. kick panels. rear compartment panels. etc. ) before delivery.   I can leave the seats for last in case you may want some material other than black vinyl (cloth. etc. ).

Glass is all original and in nice shape with no chips or cracks and door windows roll up and down faster than any electric window could dream of.

Original convertible top boot cover in excellent condition.

Convertible top itself is still serviceable and looks nice. (does have a rip on driver's side- see picture)

Battery box is nice and clean throughout with no rust. (see picture)

The original white paint in the engine compartment is in beautiful condition. with only a few minor nicks and scratches here and there.   The trunk is also original white but has a few more marks from tires. etc.   The dash is original and in nice shape. with the exception of where a radio was installed.   It is now covered up with a "blanking" cover which can be removed and another stereo installed.

Original wheels have all been bead blasted and repainted and mounted with a brand new set of tires (they don't even have 10 miles on them).

I have the original badge that goes on the front grill.  

In the trunk is a spare wheel(also blasted and painted) with a like-new tire. a jack (which I believe is the original). and a little box of misc. parts (used. extra. ?).   The original black rubber mat is also in there.

PAINT this car properly. fix the floor issues. a little re-chrome work. and you'll have an $18-22. 00 car. or just do a little repair to the brakes. a few aesthetic touches. and drive it as it is.   You can always do the other stuff later. enjoy.

I have a very reasonable "RESERVE' on this car.

This is a partial list of the new items:

Fuel pump

Rebuilt carb

Rebuilt distributor

Air filter

Fuel filter

Oil and filter

Spark plugs

Battery

Tires

Interior upholstery

?????

Look over the pictures and contact me if you have any questions about various areas of the car.   I will try to communicate as quickly as possible with whatever needs you may have.   Please be considerate and not wait until the last day to request answers and or pictures.   I'm much older now and don't like to go out in the Arizona heat any more than I have to.    and I've slowed down a bit.

To all. /strong>

Good Luck in the bidding.