The Fiat 500 (Cinquecento in Italiano) is a rear-engined, four-seat, small city car that was manufactured and marketed by Fiat Automobiles from 1957 until 1975 over a single generation in two-door saloon and two-door station wagon body styles.

Launched as the Nuova (new) 500 in July 1957, as a successor to the 500 'Topolino', it was an inexpensive and practical small car. Measuring 2.97m long, and originally powered by a 479cc two-cylinder, air-cooled engine, the 500 was 24.5cm smaller than Fiat's 600, launched two years earlier, and is considered one of the first purpose-designed city cars.

In September 1968 Fiat put on sale the 500 L or Lusso (tipo 110 F/L), a more richly trimmed and better appointed version of the standard 500 F. The 500 L remained on sale until 1972, when the new Fiat 126 was introduced.

Description by seller:

I purchased the car in 2008 from a collector. Car was complete, papers up to date and running well. The car was gun metal grey at that time and I suspected the colour was not original. Ian Huntly from the FIAT club assisted me with obtaining the original colour code and interior spec through use of the Vin number. SILTONS Panelbeaters, who were Fiat 500 Specialists, did a complete paint-off colour change back to the original factory colour.

I ordered many new parts from Ricambi Fiat 500 parts in Italy, detailed as follows:

Exterior:

• Front and rear chrome Bumpers including overriders
• Window rubbers all around
• Chrome side mirror
• Front and rear windscreens
• Chrome beadings
• Door handle rubber gaskets
• Badges all round
• Chrome hubcaps

Engine Parts:

• Electronic Ignition Module
• Exhaust
• Clutch
• Ignition leads
• Dizzy
• Filters and plugs
• Carb Kit

Interior Parts:

• Seat covers
• Moulded carpet
• Door Cards
• Handles
• Window winders
• Dashboard
• Centre Console
• Sun visors
• Vinyl roof covering
• Rubber strap for rear seat
• Pedal rubbers
• Gear boot

The fuel tank has been cleaned and re-lined, and then painted in the Italian flag colours. I have recently purchased a new battery and 4 new tyres. All mechanical work has been carried out by Wulf Krahmann, a microcar specialist in Randburg. The car starts and drives as it should.

Papers are in order (status reflects ‘Used/gebruik') and licensed up to date.

Available to view by appointment in Johannesburg.

Reminders to bidders:

• A buyer's premium of 5% (which includes VAT) for cars and bikes applies.
• The minimum buyer's premium is R5 000 incl. VAT for cars and bikes (eg. if R50 000 is bid, buyer's premium = R5 000 and total cost = R55 000).
• The maximum buyer's premium is capped at R100 000 incl. VAT for cars and bikes (eg. if R3 000 000 is bid, buyer's premium = R100 000 and total cost = R3 100 000).
• Classic Car Africa aims to present each lot as accurately as possible but it is the responsibility of the bidder to be 100% satisfied with the condition of the lot before placing a bid.