After fifty-four years with the same owner, change is in the wind for this 1968 Fiat 600. It has belonged to the seller’s grandparents since the day it drove off the showroom floor, but it needs a new home and someone passionate about returning this little Italian classic to its former glory. These are not complicated vehicles, and it would suit someone seeking a first or DIY project and has limited workshop space. It is listed here on Craigslist in Temecula, California. The seller has set their price at $3,800, and I must thank Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this little gem.

There’s something that feels right about finding any Italian car wearing red paint. It is probably a motorsport connection, with marques like Ferrari and Alfa Romeo employing that color during their international racing campaigns. The paint on this Fiat has seen better days, and the heavy layer of dust suggests it has not seen active service for many years. However, the panels are straight, with nothing beyond a few bumps and bruises. This is an Italian car, so we must inevitably consider the presence of rust. Disturbingly, there is penetrating rust visible in both lower front fenders. It is an area where mud can accumulate, forming a moisture trap that can cause problems if not cleaned regularly. The visible rust is not s significant issue, but that same moisture trap can wreak havoc on the inner fenders. If there are problems and they haven’t progressed too far, replacement steel is readily available to address the issue. The other areas requiring attention are the floors and inner rockers. The seller doesn’t mention any existing problems, but they require careful examination. Most of the 600’s structural rigidity rests in those regions, and they need to be spot-on to ensure the car is safe and won’t crumble in an accident. Some trim pieces are missing, but those remaining look like they are a restorable proposition. The glass looks like it might be okay under the dust, and provided this Fiat is structurally sound, it appears it could be a rewarding project candidate.

Life aboard a Fiat 600 represented motoring at its most basic. The company chose this approach to minimize vehicle weight. With only modest power available to the driver, loading the car with features like air conditioning, power windows, or a radio was deemed unnecessary. For a vehicle with an overall length under eleven feet, the 600 offered a surprising amount of interior space. It could seat four people in relative comfort with room for luggage and the family dog. It probably wouldn’t be the first choice for a cross-country adventure but would have been fine over shorter distances. This Fiat’s interior requires total restoration. The upholstered surfaces feature plenty of rips and tears, while the wheel is badly cracked. Locating trim could prove challenging, but there are Italian companies that can supply everything required and are willing to ship internationally. We receive no engine photos, but there appears to be positive news for potential buyers. The 600 features a rear-mounted 767cc four-cylinder engine that produced 32hp in good health. The power is fed to the road via the rear wheels and a four-speed manual transaxle. As you might expect, the combination doesn’t make the Fiat a fast car. The ¼-mile journey would take 23.5 seconds, and while the top speed is listed at 68mph, these classics are happier cruising at around 55mph. The visual indications are that the car has spent years in hibernation, but the seller states they coax the engine into life about once per year. If that is true, it could minimize the cost of returning this gem to a mechanically roadworthy state.

I have always longed to own a Fiat 500 or 600, but the opportunity has never presented itself. That makes me feel I have missed out on one of life’s great pleasures. These cars are not fast or luxurious, but the driving experience is utterly joyful. They aren’t serious cars but are more like excited little puppies begging to play and be loved. The seller quotes a potential value of more than $15,000 if the new owner restores this classic to a high standard, and recent sales results back that figure. That means it isn’t a mega-bucks vehicle, and the buyer will have to watch their budget to remain financially viable. However, sometimes a restoration is less about money than the ownership experience. If that reflects your view, perhaps this Fiat is the classic for you.