1971 Fiat Bambino 500F Sedan (LHD)

Description

If ever an automobile symbolised Italy, it would be Fiat’s charming 500 bambino, a car that has reached cult status around the world and inspired the current retro-styled model. Launched as the Nuova 500 in 1957, the Fiat provided mass transportation for millions of Italians and ultimately remained in production for the best part of twenty years. Build quality on these early cars was somewhat suspect but improved markedly with the 500D of 1960, as did performance thanks to the increase in capacity of the air-cooled twin-cylinder engine from 479cc to 499cc (with 18 horsepower on tap). The 500F produced from 1965 until 1972 saw the biggest changes yet, with front-hinged doors replacing the suicide doors of the original, deeper windscreens, thicker pillars and a taller bodyshell to improve safety and interior space. With a modified carburettor pushing out an additional one horsepower, performance reached new heights and the 500F was capable of a genuine 100km/h. In 1968 Fiat produced the 500L (for Lusso or luxury) which was a better-appointed version of the standard 500F. The most obvious feature of the 500L were tubular guards protecting the front bumper and the corners of the rear one, ensuring it was 6cm longer than the 500F. Other model-specific exterior items were a new Fiat badge at the front, redesigned hubcaps, chrome plastic mouldings covering the roof drip rails, and bright trim around windscreen and rear window. Inside, the dashboard was entirely covered in black anti-glare plastic material instead of being painted metal, and had a new trapezoid instrument binnacle replacing the round one used on all other 500 models. The steering wheel was black plastic with metal spokes, the door cards -- upholstered in the same pleated pattern leatherette used on the seats -- carried redesigned and relocated door handles and new door pockets. More storage space was provided by a tray on the centre tunnel, while the floor was covered in carpet rather than rubber mats. Except for radial instead of bias ply tyres, from a mechanical standpoint the 500 L was identical to the 50 F. The tiny Fiat is now are sadly becoming all too rare both in Italy and elsewhere and good survivors have long been regarded as collectible by enthusiasts around the world.