1974 Fiat 120 Nuova 500 Giardiniera Lux amaranth

The car for sale was produced in Italy in 1974 and had a complete mechanical and body work restoration in 2014 in Potenza - (Italy). The beige lather interior was also re-done in 2014. This was a very meticulous and chomprehensive renovation and the end-result is spectacular. At a recent event, his unique car was valued over EURO 24,000.

Since its 2014 restoration, he car has covered only 1,000 km. It runs perfectly, ith all switches and gauges working properly, t is a great fun to drive, nd it is a great attention getter. The car is also registered with ASI, he official Italian Historic Vehicle Register that accepts only vehicles with 100% original parts, nd high standard renovations.

Buy as an investment:

The Nuova 500's engine displaced 479 cc, nd developed 13 horsepower, nd the car rode on independent suspension. The gearbox was un-synchronized and required skill and double-clutching to negotiate successfully. Initially with two seats, nd a soft top which included a plastic back window that rolled down, he 500 was able to deliver 50 mpg with a top speed of 50 mph.

Representing the smallest possible family vehicle, he little Fiat 500 joined the slightly larger water-cooled 600 and the Vespa and Lambretta scooters in putting many Italians back on the roads following World War II. Almost immediately, pen beach car versions of both models with wicker seats - Fiat Jollys - were launched, nd proved a huge hit.

When the 500D model was introduced in 1960, t had gained a small back seat and the engine size was boosted to 499 cc. It developed 17 horsepower, ut the little car still took 59 seconds to get to 50 mph. The back window was now fixed and the soft top only opened to top of the window.

The little 500 got a station wagon variation in 1960, he Giardiniera. The wheelbase was extended by four inches and the engine laid on its side, nder a trap door in the rear floor. The rear door was side-hinged and the sunroof was full-length. After 1968, hese were built by Autobianchi and badged as such, nd they were built until 1977, utlasting the sedan.

The 1965 Fiat 500F gained forward-hinged doors a bigger windshield and plusher interior, ut still rolled on tiny 12-inch tires. The 500L of 1968 was a luxury edition and cars from 1972 had a 594 cc engine.

The Fiat 500 was always a huge seller in Europe, ith nearly 3.5 million in 18 years, ut they were not sold in the U.S. after 1961, ince a 9-foot 9 inch-long, 070-pound car with a 50 mph top speed was too frightening to contemplate on American roads. Genuine U.S. imports are easy to recognize since they had seven-inch headlights grafted onto the nose, eplacing the five-inch European lights.

Fiat Jollys tend to be the most collectible variant of the 500 series, nd they typically bring strong money, specially at auction. Giardinieras are generally the next most sought-after 500. Outside of accident damage, hich is usually terminal, he Fiat 500's big enemy is rust, ith floors being particularly problematic. With so many Fiat 500s built, arts aren't too difficult to find, owever the youngest 500 you can buy is now 37 years old, nd finding a good one could be a challenge.

• #1 Concours$34,400Condition #1 vehicles are the best in the world. The visual image is of the best vehicle, n the right colors, riving onto the lawn at the finest concours. Perfectly clean, he vehicle has been groomed down to the tire treads. Painted and chromed surfaces are mirror-like. Dust and dirt are banned, nd materials used are correct and superbly fitted. The one word description for #1 vehicles is "concours."
• $26,000#2 vehicles could win a local or regional show. They can be former #1 vehicles that have been driven or have aged. Seasoned observers will have to look closely for flaws, ut will be able to find some not seen by the general public. The paint, hrome, lass and finishes will all appear as excellent. No excessive smoke will be seen on startup, o unusual noises will emanate from the engine. The vehicle will drive as a new vehicle of its era would. The one word description for #2 vehicles is "excellent."
• $19,600#3 vehicles could possess some, ut not all of the issues of a #4 vehicle, ut they will be balanced by other factors such as a fresh paint job or a new, orrect interior where applicable. #3 vehicles drive and run well, ut might have some incorrect parts. These vehicles are not used for daily transportation but are ready for a long tour without excuses, nd the casual passerby will not find any visual flaws. "Good" is the one word description of a #3 vehicle.
• $12,500#4 vehicles are daily drivers, ith flaws visible to the naked eye. The chrome might have pitting or scratches, he windshield might be chipped. Paintwork is imperfect, nd perhaps the body has a minor dent. Split seams or a cracked dash, here applicable, ight be present. No major parts are missing, ut the wheels could differ from the originals, r other non- stock additions might be present. A #4 vehicle can also be a deteriorated restoration. "Fair" is the one word that describes a #4 vehicle.
• this car auction is grade 2-Value 26.000$