1972 FIAT 500 Cinquecento with Abarth Mods

1972 FIAT 500 Cinquecento Super Street Mod

A really exciting urban racer version of the Fiat 500, Europe’s most popular minicar. This example has been treated to a complete and full restoration to a very high standard three years ago, then added to an Italian collection were it saw little use and proper care since. Just imported to the US, comes with a current California title and all paperwork in proper order. It is garaged in San Francisco, CA.

The car has been restored with a completely rebuilt version of the largest Fiat engine ever fitted to the 500 series. This 594cc twin cylinder engine has been blueprinted and equipped with a genuine Abarth exhaust and Abarth racing oil pan. It sounds fantastic and runs with verve. The car has also been fitted with a non-standard, later model Fiat 4-speed transmission that features synchromesh on all four forward gears and a new clutch. The brakes and suspension have been fully refreshed and are in excellent condition. Recent tune up, oil change and full service, ready to enjoy.

In keeping with the street mod theme, wide rim steel wheels and new oversize Pirelli tires have been fitted. Handling is razor sharp and this Fiat is remarkably fun carving thru urban traffic.

The body is absolutely straight, rust free and features a very high quality paint job in a non-original, but very attractive, deep metallic blue. All exterior chrome and trim is in superb condition. The sunroof is as new with a racing checkerboard motif. The interior is in excellent condition featuring black leatherette upholstery and rubber floor mats. A Luisi racing steering wheel has been fitted. Everything works and operates as expected.

Starts, runs, drives perfect and handles like a rally car. This particular car features the oversize Abarth oil sump which improves longevity and an Abarth exhaust system which delivers an exciting soundtrack. Odometer shows 75,377 Kilometer ( 46 K miles) believed to be accurate. Estimate less than 5 K miles since restoration.

Very cute, lots of fun, quite rare in the USA and in excellent, restored condition - this 1972 500 Cinquecento Street Mod with tasteful sport sedan upgrades is a very collectable and enjoyable classic.

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FIAT 500 History

Launched as the Nuova (new) 500 in 1957 and following in the long tradition of mini compact Fiat city cars that began with the Toplino of the late 40’s the Nuova was an instant success. In production thru 1975 there were several detail upgrades and this 1972 500 F model incorporates virtually all of those. Considered by many to be the ultimate “City Car”, the Nuova 500 was very popular all across Europe. None of the subsequent models ever possessed the charm and fun-to-drive feeling of this series.

The shapely body sits on a 72.4” wheelbase and is a trim 117” long, ideal for parking in the city.

With a svelte curb weight of only 1,100 lbs and powered by a robust twin cylinder 594cc engine, largest ever fitted to the 500 series, performance is lively around town and adequate for country lanes.

Fuel economy is outstanding.

A full syncho 4-speed manual transmission provides a wide range of gearing for climbing steep urban hills to an open road top speed around 65 mph.The ride is notably supple and the handling crisp and accurate.

The 500 series is quite simple mechanically and considered to be reliable and durable, and easy to maintain. Parts are readily available and relatively inexpensive.