'70 Fiat 500 - what say you oppo?

"TysMagic" (twjeffery)
03/12/2018 at 08:19 • Filed to: fait, fiat 500

I found a 1970 Fiat 500L for sale locally. Craigslist listed for $12.5k, ebay no bids no reserve relisted and priced dropped starting at $9,200 so there is room for negotiation.

I do not have experience with these, but I do understand them to be fairly easy to work on and finding parts is pretty doable.

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Current known pros from a short convo with the owner and pics:

-stock as can be
-good amount of recent work and it’s ready for regular driving
-no visible rust, owner says no rust/rust repair at all - big pro if true
-newer tires, apparently finding oem tire size is a PITA
-500L means it has some options, like a gas gauge

cons:

-stock as can be means the basic 500cc 22hp engine nonsyncro gear and drum brakes all around - standard to upgrade to the engine/box from the 126 with 50 some odd hp and w/ syncros. Also pretty common to have a disc brake upgrade.
-1970 isn’t the most desirable of years due to the square dash which is more a future resell issue than it is for me
-Top end is good, but no service details on the bottom end and it’s last rebuild
-seller is pushy, borderline aggressive which is a massive turn off
-engine and frunk pics show some wiring that comes off as questionable

With that said, what say you, oppo? Would this be a worth while project/toy to have? I know there are a lot of alternatives for this kind of money, but how do they compare in character and soul?

DISCUSSION (12)

Chuckles > TysMagic
03/12/2018 at 09:13

The seller’s attitude sounds like the only major con. But if he’s so eager to sell perhaps he’ll take a lower price. Otherwise I like it.

TysMagic > Chuckles
03/12/2018 at 09:16

That’s kind of where I’m at, I think he just really wants it moved and doesn’t have a lot of interest. Especially considering the price variance from craigslist to ebay. Realistically, I’d like to be a little lower on price to have some room for error.

Chuckles > TysMagic
03/12/2018 at 09:18

Is it far from you? Are you close enough to see it in person? I’d need some more pictures before I believe that it’s rust free.

TysMagic > Chuckles
03/12/2018 at 09:23

It’s about 40 mins away so I would 100% go look at it before making any commitments. To his pushiness, he said I can look at it if I bring cash. So I’m sure me looking at it and being interested in having a mechanic check it out before I commit will be a good conversation.

RacingShark > TysMagic
03/12/2018 at 09:29

I just saw one of these this weekend in the mall (yes, IN the mall, not at the mall). the roof was removed and the interior was a freezer. It was a gelato kiosk at the mall. Clever idea. I should have taken a picture. So small. I’m not sure I’d be comfortable driving that around town.

Chuckles > TysMagic
03/12/2018 at 10:05

I can understand that he doesn’t want a bunch of tire kickers, but it’s unreasonable to expect people to walk around with ten grand in their pocket.

Just take like three dollars with you. Technically you brought cash.

TysMagic > Chuckles
03/12/2018 at 10:15

I would do a small deposit for him to hold it, but yeah I’m not rolling up to some strangers place packed up with 10K

TysMagic > RacingShark
03/12/2018 at 10:16

definitely would just be a project/show/toy car, it’s tiny

1967ers - lover of dead auto marques > TysMagic
03/12/2018 at 10:32

I saw one of these on the road a few months back. Four fairly burly passengers. I was commenting how how cool it was when suddenly the light changed and the Fiat slid half-way through the intersection. Tiny tires and smaller brakes meant it couldn’t stop when people were in it.

TysMagic > 1967ers - lover of dead auto marques
03/12/2018 at 11:08

which goes to my con list, the upgraded motor and disc brakes could be a game changer

Jonee > TysMagic
03/12/2018 at 11:45

Such great cars. If they are willing to deal a little more, it’s definitely a nice price if the condition is truly as good at it looks. They command a premium over here. If you’ve never driven one, go see how you like it. I think they’re a blast to drive. They don’t go fast, but it feels fast enough because of the size.

TysMagic > Jonee
03/12/2018 at 12:07

I am very interested in the driving experience. I love my new one, but I know it’s a totally different animal. I love the character/spirit/soul whatever you want to call it that they just ooze with