1972 Fiat 500 R
Charming and nicely restored Italian import, featuring the desirable 594cc engine

Registration – VOY 477L

Chassis No. – 110F5146314

M.O.T. – Exempt

Odometer – 75,000

This delightful diminutive classic offers heaps of Mediterranean authenticity having spent its life until 2017 in its native Italy. ‘VOY477L’ was imported to the UK at that point by its first and previous UK keeper. Now in the stewardship of just its second, ‘VOY477L’ is notable for its excellent restored condition and its vibrant, eye-catching presentation. Being a 500R, this is a desirable later version with the more powerful 594cc engine and the full synchromesh gearbox. Today the odometer reads a shade over 75,000 kms and ‘VOY477L’ comes with lots of provenance providing paperwork, some period booklets as well as its original Italian registration plates. ‘VOY477L’ is classified as an Historic Vehicle by DVLA and hence considered MOT exempt and zero rated for road tax. The vendor describes ‘VOY477L’ as easily able to keep up with traffic and possessing a great gear change and a compliant ride. ‘VOY477L’ is only being sold due a back issue with the vendor and is ready to use and enjoy immediately.

‘VOY477L’ looks amazing in its China Red livery which can better be described as a vibrant terracotta hue. The R models employed the steel wheels from the Fiat 126, and these have been finished in an off white. Other charming, noteworthy features include a full sized vinyl sunroof, front spot lamps and a rear mounted chromed luggage rack. ‘VOY477L’s’ cabin is a refreshingly spartan affair but remaining eminently practical and utterly original looking. Black vinyl, carpet and rubber abounds but the big windows and full length and width sunroof flood the cabin with light. The original red vinyl seats are also included in the sale. This R model exhibits the neater single round speedometer with integrated warning lights. The vendor judges the paintwork, bodywork and interior as “excellent.”

In terms of mechanical configuration, the 500R features the well proven twin cylinder 594cc rear mounted engine as used in the Fiat 126. The power output is incredibly modest by today’s standards but the 500R never feels anything other than sprightly and nippy. That’s most likely due to the car’s 500 kg or so dry weight. This specification is emblematic of the 500’s ethos – minimalistic but more than adequate. All ‘VOY477L’ mechanical systems are rated as “excellent.”

In summary:

• Imported from Italy in 2017 with just two UK keepers to date
• A desirable, later 500R with bigger engine and synchromesh gearbox
• Compete with plenty of paperwork included some from its Italian life