Lot 218: 1973 FIAT 500L Saloon

Replacement for FIAT's much-loved 500 'Topolino', the Nuova 500 debuted in 1957. A radical departure from its predecessor's essentially pre-war design, FIAT's new baby featured unitary construction, an opening fabric roof and all-independent suspension. Carried at the rear, the half-litre engine was an air-cooled overhead-valve twin and the gearbox a four-speeder. The basic 500's austerity was not well received however, prompting the introduction of a revised and better equipped version endowed with refinements such as hubcaps, wind-down windows, upholstered rear seat, and column-mounted switchgear stalks. This process of step-by-step improvement would continue throughout the 500's life. Introduced in 1968 alongside the standard 500F, the deluxe 500L, while mechanically identical, came with exterior cosmetic enhancements and an improved interior featuring a new instrument panel, seats and floor covering.
This charming little 500L was next on Richard Lloyd’s list for restoration. The FIAT had just been restored when he acquired it in the late 1990s and remains in very good condition, benefiting from recent cosmetic refurbishment of the near-side front wing. Tidily presented and running well, the car is offered with restoration invoices and Swansea V5 registration document.