1975 Fiat 500 Giardiniera

Description

• UNSOLD AT AUCTION February 2024
• Please contact Evoke for more information / to arrange a viewing : team@evoke-classics.com
• 540cc Engine upgrade
• Powder coated engine items
• Imported three years ago from Italy
• Registered as an historic vehicle

It’s said that the best things come in small packages. The diminutive, iconic, fun Fiat 500 confirms that. Bulging with character and great fun to drive, the Fiat 500 is an absolute blast, epitomising the Dolce Vita.

The Fiat 500 is considered one of the most culturally important cars of all time. A true people’s car, it got a whole nation moving. There were several versions, one of the rarer versions is the Fiat 500 Giardiniera made by Fiat and Autobianchi – a Fiat owned subsidiary.

These Fiats were produced in Fiat’s legendary Mirafiori plant in Turin. Production was shifted to the Autobianchi’s factory in Desio, Milan until the end, in 1977.

Mechanicals

This Fiat has the 540cc upgrade engine kit fitted. The kit is a set of performance 70 mm cylinders, pistons and rings which upgrades power without major modification or impacting on reliability and the characterful engine.

The cleverly designed Giardiniera was built under the supervision of the mastermind Dante Giacosa. Fiat’s engineers needed to create more space. They rotated the tiny rear-mounted 500cc air-cooled engine so it could lay on its side creating a long, flat load bay.

Changes were also made in the ignition, the carburetion and the cooling systems.

The Giardiniera benefitted from sturdier suspension, better suited to carry more loads and the uprated Fiat 600 brakes

The cooling system was re-designed completely, and the intake was eliminated, hence that distinctive flat front.

The fuel tank was initially situated in the middle of the front bonnet and was later replaced by the horizontally placed version like this one. The vendor tells us the Fiat “drives well”.

Outside

The Giardiniera is less than 3m long and half as wide. It is tiny by that bloated standard of modern cars.

The roof rolls and it was the last 500 to retain those characterful front opening doors.

The vendor describes the white paint/exterior as “fair condition”. There are various areas showing the Fiat’s age. Stone chips, marks, general signs of use & wear and tear surface corrosion, some examples are displayed in the Gallery.

Of course, “fair condition” is a subjective term, but the main point is, this is a 49-year-old useable classic car, and it doesn’t hide that fact from onlookers. The lucky new owner may wish to restore it to concours condition if they choose, given the solid base, or enjoy it as an authentic, characterful Italian classic. We know what we would do. The rear side-hinged door is a particular delight.

The Fiat 500 has had a new floor pan added in and soundproofing has been installed – photos of this can be seen in the Gallery.

Inside

In one of those delightful touches that older cars have, the full length cabrio roof cover comes off for al fresco motoring. Other than that, the best way to sum up the interior is minimalist.

The Giardiniera was dual functional. It could transport 4 people + 40 kilos of luggage or 2 people and 200kilos of cargo. When the rear seats are folded flat the space is particularly useful.

• The interior is largely original
• The red door cards are newly fitted
• We’re told all switches/dials work
• Original interior (aside from the new door cards that were fitted) is described as 7/10 by our Vendor

Our vendor tells us that the original floor mats had to be discarded as unfortunately they were in poor condition and trapped moisture. They were replaced with new mats for a standard Fiat 500 and while they fit perfectly in the front, the rear could do with some separate carpets.

Summary

Whilst Fiat built nearly 3.9 million 500s, less than 9% were Giardinieras and even fewer remain. These offer the same fun and delight as standard Fiat 500, but with loads more practicality and ease of access. Additionally, there is the scarcity factor. When was the last time you saw one?

We’d say this car is at a tipping point. It could either be restored to make it look like new. Or enjoyed as an unvarnished original survivor embracing the Dolce Vita!

The choice is for the lucky new owner. To be honest, there isn’t a wrong answer. The Fiat 500 will always be a desirable piece of motoring and cultural history and you’ll enjoy it either way.

Vehicle Location: Tadley, Hampshire, RG26 – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor

Have a question about this Fiat 500 Giardiniera? Please contact the Evoke team at team@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.