1971 Fiat 500L

OVERVIEW

This Italian-built 1971 Fiat 500L compact two-door is equipped with a newer pull-back cloth sunroof and receives power from a rebuilt rear-mounted 499cc inline-twin coupled with a resealed four-speed manual transaxle. It reportedly spent a portion of its life in the Netherlands before importation to the United States and currently carries a valid Texas title. Equipment includes a louvered engine cover, polished hubcaps, reupholstered front seats, an electronic ignition system, a rebuilt carburetor, and a newer clutch. Finished in yellow over a black vinyl interior, this 500L is now offered with a clear title in the seller’s name.

EXTERIOR – FEATURES

The current yellow exterior finish was applied in 2017 and is the car’s second repaint over its lifetime, according to the seller. A trim tag shows that the original exterior color was Positano Yellow (code 208). Features include chrome bumpers, halogen headlights, a driver-side mirror, a black retractable cloth top installed in 2022, and a louvered engine cover. Blemishes have been noted in the finish.

EXTERIOR – WHEELS AND TIRES

Color-matched steel 12-inch wheels with polished center caps are wrapped in 125R12C Cheng Shin tires.

INTERIOR – FEATURES

The interior was refurbished in 2022 and offers reupholstered black vinyl bucket seats up front, a bench in the rear, and matching trim for the door panels, seat belts, and newer carpeting. Features include manual-crank windows and a floor-mounted center storage tray. The seller notes a blemish on the upholstery of the passenger seat and rear seat bottom.

INTERIOR – GAUGES

Instrumentation includes a 130-km/h speedometer with an inset fuel gauge. The five-digit mechanical odometer reads 18,470 kilometers (11,476 miles), although the true kilometrage on the chassis is unknown.

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION

The rear-mounted 499cc inline-twin resides in an engine bay that has been equipped with new sound-damping thermal insulation. Last year, the engine went through an overhaul that involved a complete removal and resealing. In addition, the cylinders, clutch, throwout bearing, and electronic ignition were replaced; the carburetor was rebuilt; and the transmission was resealed. The battery was replaced in 2021. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a floor-shifted four-speed manual transmission. Photos documenting the mechanical updates are in the gallery to the right.

UNDERCARRIAGE

Stopping is provided by four-wheel drum brakes.