UK Original RHD Fiat 500L (1970) with 1 Owner for last 30 years

UK Original RHD Fiat 500L (1970) with 1 Owner for last 30 years

Original RHD Fiat 500L in Dark blue.

I purchased this Fiat 500 from an elderly lady from a village in Surrey in 1991 where the vehicle had spent all of its early life. She herself had purchased it from a neighbour after admiring it in the village for many years, all documented. The vehicle had covered 56,000 miles.

I used the vehicle sparingly as a fun second car and in the mid 90's decided to have it extensively restored. Most panels were replaced including floor pans, inner and outer sills and front sections prior to a repaint in its original dark blue.

At the time I purchased a 1982 Fiat 126 which had only covered 27,000 miles solely to extract and transfer its 650cc engine and synchromesh gear box to the Fiat 500. I have retained all the Fiat 126's MOTs as verification of its mileage at the time. 

When the restoration was complete, I used the vehicle sparingly until 2004 which is when it was last on the road. It has been garaged and SORN since only having covered less than 1000 miles in my entire ownership.

In the first few years when the car was laid up it was started regularly up until the battery gave up the ghost. In the years that followed I continued to regularly turn the engine over by hand. In 2016 with some fresh oil and a little fettling the engine was going again. Not long after the starter motor failed and due to constraints on my time it has never been started since. Please assume that the engine/transmission will need to be recommissioned or possibly rebuilt due to the long lack of use. The same applies to the braking system.

In the 25 years or so since the restoration the paintwork still shines, but closer inspection reveals some paint blisters and some corrosion in the form of rust scabs around some of the corners, sills, door edges and roof, please see pictures.

The areas normally prone to deterioration such as the floor pans, nose sections, battery tray and windscreen surrounds have stood the test of time well as to have the straight body panels.  

Bodywork and a paint refresh will be required to get this 500L back to its best, but a full-blown ground up restoration is not required.

This car is by no means perfect, but it is not to be confused with the countless LHD examples coming over from Italy that have been resurrected from near death with a superficial coat of bright paint. So many of these LHD imports have been made up from available parts and trim from the various Fiat 500 models made over the years. They may appear presentable, specially to the unfamiliar eye, but the lack of authenticity only becoming apparent on closer inspection or for the unlucky few after purchasing or when they later resell.  

Having other commitments and in order to free up some space (avoid storing it for another 30 years), after careful consideration I have decided to sell this Fiat 500L to its next custodian and someone that will bring it back to life, and more importantly drive and enjoy it.

Viewing is welcome by appointment. Please remember you are bidding to buy and not to view.

I would like payment and collection within seven days of the auction end. If you cannot meet this time scale, please contact me before bidding. Cleared funds will be required before the vehicle is released.

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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