I’m not certain how long Fiat is for this U.S. world. It seems that their domestic reappearance, courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), is now threatened under FCA’s incorporation into Stellantis. Art of Gears author, Matthew Wolfe wrote a piece several months ago stating that he believed Stellantis lost interest in Fiat America due to other brands under their umbrella that they believe will have more U.S. go. Whatever the case, the 2011 return of the Fiat 500 to domestic shores hasn’t exactly been greeted with open arms – for a whole host of reasons. No worries, forget about that one and relive the past with the genuine article, a 1967 500L. Tony P. found this low mileage subject for us, it’s located in Sebastopol, California and is available, here on craigslist for $19,500.
So, the seller claims that this 500L is an Italian version that has only experienced 9K miles though no verifiable documentation is provided – not even an image of the odometer. Admittedly, the 22HP, 479CC two-cylinder engine doesn’t appear to be overly used but the claim would be better bolstered with genuine documentation as opposed to taking it on the face value of a claim. Anyway, the seller claims that this little bugger of a car “runs great” and tops out at 53 MPH. The rear transaxle is a four-speed manual – the only gear box available.
This Fiat has been a U.S. citizen since 1991 and its citizenship seems to have done it well. All nine feet nine inches of it looks great. The body is straight, there’s no droop to the bumpers, the navy blue finish has depth with no sign of oxidization, the chrome shines, and the original hub caps are still in place. The seller claims this Fiat to be all original and I would have to agree – it’s a survivor.
Normally I wouldn’t think that red upholstery would mix with a dark blue exterior but it works in this case. It’s a spartan environment but appears to be totally functional – and my thought is, accommodating too, as the environment doesn’t appear to be cramped. The seats have a hint of style with their black piping trim and they show no sign of wear, supporting that low mileage claim. Of note, shoulder belts were added at some point.
OK, this 500L is in excellent condition, and regardless of the real mileage, it has obviously been gently, and lightly used. What’s the market for a car like this? I’d suggest narrow. Now, that entire matter of price needs to be considered – $19,500, what’s your thought, priced right or not quite?
This is a cute car and seemingly in good shape. In modern traffic it is so slow it could even be a bit of a hazard. I would also be quite concerned about a collision with a Peterbilt truck or even with the average SUV. However, it certainly has its place as a conversation piece in a museum, outside or inside an Italian ristorante, or used in ’60s period movies in a Hollywood studio.
This would be a cool little car to have,but not at that price.
9,000 miles, 1/4 mile at a time.
Original owner lived close to work, is what I mean.
I wonder what that oval shaped thing is on top of the fuel pump.
fuel filter
Looks like an in line filter. Should be BEFORE the pump, though.
Back in the late 1980’s I built a 500L just like this one in this dark blue color. I bought a fully painted NOS body that had been prepped by a guy who had been racing 695SS Abarths in the late 60’s so he had a spare ready in case he would wreck the Abarth. I then got a 126 and took drivetrain, chassis parts, brakes, wheels and a host of other needed parts and got a really nice 500.
With the slightly warmed 126 engine and synchro gearbox I found it fully usable for city traffic. Unfortunately I didn’t have it for long until some low-life individuals broke into it, destroyed the front hood when they couldn’t figure out how to release the hood strut and then finished their work by rolling the car over on its side. I was too disappointed to keep the car. Probably the only time I would have been ready to support the idea of death penalty for criminals.
As for driving this one, yes it is slow but they were designed to be mercilessly flogged so you can use every inch of its performance. And they are surprisingly reliable, as long as the tin worm is kept at bay there’s just not much that can break. And the non-synchronized gearbox is less of an issue than you might think. The gears are light enough that they still snick in similar to a motorcycle. Millions of Italian Grandmothers have driven these and so can you.
Now as for the claims of 10k miles and $19.5k… Ha, if you believe that either of those are right you are more gullible than me.
one word ….Hayabusa
On the bright side, one could toss it in the back of any 2023 Big Boy SUV or Pickup and drop it off at the shop for repairs.
Priced about right if not on the low side. My Abarth model very similar is appraised around $40,000 as a TRIBUTE car. In Italy, this would be sold within the first couple of days if not sooner. Highly collectible, faster than you would think. Old VWs are selling at that and more…..why? They were never trouble free nor particularly good looking. Last, these can be power enhanced very easily …..my car has the two-cylinder air cooled 650 engine, with downdraft Weber, five speed sync, sunroof and hard top……..I ride motorcycles also and believe me they are much more dangerous than this beauty! Good luck to the seller!Great investment ….much better than the 3% you are getting at your bank.
In Belgium, they had already rustspots in the showroom!
And if the fanbelt broke, you coultn’t continue a single mile, the air-cooled for engine had stuck.
The Fiat 600 sold better.
Hagarty price Gide $16,600 for good condition. So there’s that.
Low mileage since it wasn’t running most of its life (Fiat aka “fix it again Tony). Cute car however I would hold out for the Urkel Mobile – much more of a chick magnet than this Fiat.
It’s virtually a new car. First car indu ted into museum of modern art. Sunroof. Well worth 20 grand. Style wise I’d choose it over a bunch of other cars. It would be a great island car here in hawAii.
I’ve been waiting to see one of these in good condition pop up here for sale. If I could afford it I would love to have one of these classics sitting next to my Abarth. I hope this car falls into the hands of someone who will really appreciate it. GLWTA
9000 miles? Must have been in the shop a lot!!! They were junk back then and the new ones are junk today! The writer of this should get their story straight, the last couple of years there has only been 450 to 1000 fiats sold in the us! Fiat is dead in the US, as dead as most of their cars are. Even the bug had close to 50 hp by 1967 and they were pathetic!
I had a 1973 Fiat 128, and it was hands down the worst car I’ve ever owned.
That said, this one could be a great collectible, and could be the nicest 500 left in the USA. Just don’t try to drive it very much.
This is a comment from the owner of this Fiat. It has been relisted effective on 3/10/2024 on Craigslist in California North Bay.