Lot 201: 1967 Fiat 500F

The 500 always was a basic car, in fact it was so tinder-powered when launched in 1957 that even Italians gave it the cold shoulder. In comparison to rival countries' offerings, such as the 2CV and the Mini that appeared just two years later, the 500 was out of date almost from the start. Most small cars could offer similar economy and just as much interior space while having that useful extra refinement for long journeys, but none of those rivals were quite as small as the Fiat. It was the ultimate town car, and its tiny dimensions and cheeky good looks soon won an enormous following among minimalist motorists around the world.The Fiat 500 was a true successor to the Fiat Topolino, or 'Mickey Mouse', which had been part of the Italian culture since 1936. The bubble-like shape of the 500 had already been pioneered by the Fiat 600 in 1955, which although similar in looks was a conventional small family saloon, with a water cooled, four cylinder engine. In contrast, the 500 was almost a microcar with its air-cooled vertical twin and seating for two adults only. This 500 rolled off the Fiat production line in 1967. The car has remained in Italy all its life and is supplied with Italian registration documents. The car is described as being 'like new', having benefited from a full nut and bolt restoration which was only completed earlier this year. The aqua marina paint work is in excellent condition and with a red and white interior the car looks striking from every angle. The 499cc runs beautifully and the car also comes with a controllo technica valid until 2010. A wonderful example of this cheeky little car.