1972 Fiat 500L Abarth
Few cars capture the charm and character of Italian motoring quite like the Fiat 500. Launched in 1957 as Italy’s affordable people’s car, the diminutive Cinquecento quickly became a national symbol—compact, stylish, and full of personality.
Later came the more refined Lusso version, followed by Abarth’s spirited performance upgrades, which transformed the humble city car into something far more eager and competition-inspired.
First registered in Italy in 1972 and brought to the UK in 2014, this Fiat 500L Abarth has been restored to an outstanding standard.
Finished in a striking shade of blue and fitted with a leather-and-cloth interior, walnut dashboard, new convertible roof, and its original wheels, it blends authenticity with thoughtful performance enhancements.
Between June 2023 and March 2024, the car was treated to a complete bare-shell restoration by Toto at Ricambi, one of the UK’s leading Fiat 500 specialists.
The work included a new bulkhead and floor pan, fresh carpets and dashboard, a new roof, and a full professional respray. More than £10,000 was invested, with invoices and detailed photography documenting every stage of the rebuild.
In July 2025, a brand-new 700cc engine was fitted, offering a welcome boost in performance while preserving the car’s essential character. With only 350 miles covered since the upgrade, it remains in near-new mechanical condition with no service yet required.
The Fiat has also enjoyed time in the spotlight, earning ‘Car of the Day’ at the Shelsley Walsh Speed Hill Climb—recognition of its quality and the admiration it draws wherever it appears.
Kept as part of a private collection in a heated garage and used sparingly, the car presents beautifully inside and out. All components, from electrics to instruments, are said to function exactly as they should, making it as satisfying to drive as it is to display.
Accompanied by a comprehensive history file containing invoices, restoration photographs, and full documentation of the rebuild and engine installation, this Fiat 500L Abarth stands as an exceptional example of the model—equally suited to show events, relaxed touring, or pride of place in a collection. Consigned by Baljit Singh.
