Possibly one of the most iconic of all Italian cars and universally recognised, the Fiat 500 was launched in 1957. Needing to be affordable, economical and practical for its home market, the car was minimalist in all respects – size (under 10 feet long, yet seating 4); performance (a tiny 2-cylinder, 500 cc engine mounted in the rear and providing just 13 bhp) and fittings (fabric roof; metal dashboard). It was an immediate hit and had a production run of 18 years, up until 1975 with a little over 3.8 million made. In addition to the 2-door saloon variant there was a 3-door panel van, the Furgoncino and an estate car, the Giardiniera.

As might be expected, the car evolved throughout its production life but retained an almost identical appearance to the first model. Through 500D, 500F, 500L and 500R designations the engine grew in size (but not a lot); the interior fittings improved, as did some of the body style (most notably the move away from rear-hinged, ‘suicide’ doors to more conventional front-hinged doors).

The Fiat 500L offered here was first registered in Torino, Italy in November 1971. The ‘L’ or ‘Lusso’ model was a mildly improved version of the standard ‘F’ model. No mechanical changes of note, other than the fitment of radial tyres, the changes were to exterior brightwork and a more luxurious interior specification - luxurious being perhaps a rather grand description in this instance! The floor was now carpeted rather than simple rubber mats and some storage space was provided with a centre tunnel tray and improved door pockets. A new integrated instrument binnacle (with a fuel gauge!) was fitted in a matt black finished dashboard.

The car moved from Italy to Guernsey in 1994 and through the hands of a couple of local owners. In 2009 the 500 was the subject of a full restoration, with bodywork and running gear renovation carried out by marque expert R. Proietti Ltd. of London and a full engine rebuild executed by a well-respected Guernsey-based engineer. Since that time it has been kept in tip-top condition, receiving regular maintenance and any additional attention as required.