1st Oct, 2023 12:00
The Bolesworth Castle October 2023 Classic & Performance Car Auction
1962 Fiat 1500
*** NO RESERVE*** RHD ‘Millecinquecento’ saloon, powered by Aurelio Lampredi’s four-cylinder masterpiece
Registration - ABM 258B
Chassis - 0056117
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 26,000
‘ABM 258B’ was originally owned by a British engineer living and working in Uganda. He bought the car new in 1962 from F Boero & Co. for 17,300 Ugandan shillings, opting not to have whitewall tyres as they would have shown the dust from the African roads. This is a right-hand-drive example, making it something of a rarity for a Fiat 1500. When the engineer was due to return to the UK, he shipped the car to Italy, took a cabin on the same boat, and then spent six weeks driving the Fiat to Bristol. Included in the car’s two meticulously compiled and substantial history files is an artist’s image the engineer commissioned of the saloon being loaded onto the ship. The history also includes the original dealer purchase receipt, correspondence with HM Customs & Excise relating to its import into the UK in 1964, every tax disc, plus decades of service receipts etc. The 1500 also comes with a quantity of spares. The present owner, its fourth UK one, states that he has ‘never owned a classic car with so much paper history, it’s overwhelming’. Over the years ‘ABM 258B’ has undergone restoration in the hands of various owners, with the vendor describing the overall condition of the car as ‘excellent’, and ‘mechanically very good’, adding, ‘the manual column gear change does take a little getting used to, but she drives very smoothly, and the 1481cc engine really has some go’. The interior, with grey cloth trim and blue carpets, has been left in original condition.
Fiat produced the 1500 from 1961 to 1967, offering it in saloon, estate, convertible and coupé versions. It was powered by an alloy-headed four-cylinder engine producing 75bhp. Reviewing the new Fiat for Motor Sport magazine in March 1962, Bill Boddy gave it a hearty thumbs-up, writing ‘The Fiat 1500 is not only a splendid performer, it is a well-planned, very completely equipped 4-door saloon… a fast Italian family car of exceptional merit.’
In summary:
- A rare, right-hand drive saloon version of Fiat’s 1500
- Imported from Uganda in 1964
- Comes complete with a substantial and fascinating history file
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Sold for £4,612
(Inclusive of Buyer's Premium)
Registration - ABM 258B
Chassis - 0056117
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 26,000
‘ABM 258B’ was originally owned by a British engineer living and working in Uganda. He bought the car new in 1962 from F Boero & Co. for 17,300 Ugandan shillings, opting not to have whitewall tyres as they would have shown the dust from the African roads. This is a right-hand-drive example, making it something of a rarity for a Fiat 1500. When the engineer was due to return to the UK, he shipped the car to Italy, took a cabin on the same boat, and then spent six weeks driving the Fiat to Bristol. Included in the car’s two meticulously compiled and substantial history files is an artist’s image the engineer commissioned of the saloon being loaded onto the ship. The history also includes the original dealer purchase receipt, correspondence with HM Customs & Excise relating to its import into the UK in 1964, every tax disc, plus decades of service receipts etc. The 1500 also comes with a quantity of spares. The present owner, its fourth UK one, states that he has ‘never owned a classic car with so much paper history, it’s overwhelming’. Over the years ‘ABM 258B’ has undergone restoration in the hands of various owners, with the vendor describing the overall condition of the car as ‘excellent’, and ‘mechanically very good’, adding, ‘the manual column gear change does take a little getting used to, but she drives very smoothly, and the 1481cc engine really has some go’. The interior, with grey cloth trim and blue carpets, has been left in original condition.
Fiat produced the 1500 from 1961 to 1967, offering it in saloon, estate, convertible and coupé versions. It was powered by an alloy-headed four-cylinder engine producing 75bhp. Reviewing the new Fiat for Motor Sport magazine in March 1962, Bill Boddy gave it a hearty thumbs-up, writing ‘The Fiat 1500 is not only a splendid performer, it is a well-planned, very completely equipped 4-door saloon… a fast Italian family car of exceptional merit.’
In summary:
- A rare, right-hand drive saloon version of Fiat’s 1500
- Imported from Uganda in 1964
- Comes complete with a substantial and fascinating history file
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Auction: The Bolesworth Castle October 2023 Classic & Performance Car Auction, 1st Oct, 2023
Our October auction of classic, modern classic and prestige cars and motorbikes.
Viewing Days:
Saturday 30th September, 1pm - 7pm
Sunday 1st October, 9am - 12 noon
If you wish to consign your vehicle to this auction, you can request a valuation here or by calling one of the Hampson Auctions team on 01606 828124
Fill in the form below and one of our team will get in touch with a no-obligation valuation. We will also take you through the consignment and valuation process, to enable you to make an informed decision.
If you prefer to contact us directly please call 01606 828 124 or email info@hampsonauctions.com
