Fiat 500L 1971 - 84,000 KM

An icon of the Italian automotive industry, the Fiat 500, produced from 1957, has stood the test of time and eras without ever aging. Produced continuously since 1957, the versions of the Fiat 500 evolve over time, but maintain a spirit identical to its first creation. The first versions remain iconic with their very contained format and their undeniable charm.

Put into circulation on November 4, 1971, this Fiat 500, in its L version, is in very good general condition. Purchased by its current owner at the beginning of 2021, it benefits from particular care to keep it in the best possible condition. Adorned in a Navy Blue color, the body is in good general condition. The paint, redone a few years ago, offers brilliance and depth. Slight defects are visible, including a small dent in the front bumper and on the Fiat logo at the front. The interior of this Fiat 500 L is entirely original and in a natural patina. The cream-colored leather seats are in very good condition, and match perfectly with the exterior color of this copy. The steering wheel, dashboard and gearbox are in good condition and have no defects.

With 84,000 kilometers on the clock, this Fiat 500 L has excellent mechanical functioning. Its rear-mounted twin-cylinder engine, developing 18 horsepower, works normally. Start-ups are quick and the operation does not present extraneous noise. This example has a new exhaust.

Regularly maintained at “L'Atelier 500" in the Paris region, this Fiat 500 L is in good condition and requires no cost to be able to enjoy Sunday rides after its purchase.

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The Fiat 500, one of the undeniable icons of Italian car production, saw the light of day for the first time in 1957. It is recognized for its compact nature and efficient performance in congested urban environments. It is in this tradition that the Fiat 500 L (for “Lusso”, meaning “luxury” in Italian) was introduced in 1968. In 1971, the Fiat 500 L still maintained a dominant position in the small car market.

Historically, Fiat aimed to offer an affordable and economical car for the general public after the Second World War. The 500 L, which is an evolution of this initial project, incorporated several improvements over its predecessors while maintaining the core of the car's philosophy: compactness, efficiency, and accessibility.

Technically, the 1971 Fiat 500 L was powered by a 499.5 cm³ rear-twin engine producing 18 horsepower at 4000 rpm. This engine was air-cooled and powered by a single-body carburetor. The car used a 4-speed manual gearbox. It reached a maximum speed of around 95 km/h. With a total weight of around 520 kg, it offered modest fuel consumption, which was ideal for city trips.

The 500 L chassis was unibody, offering structural rigidity. The front suspension consisted of semi-independent arms with a transverse torsion bar, while the rear used swingarms. Drum brakes were installed both at the front and at the rear.

Aesthetically, the 500 L differed slightly from the original version. It had chrome bumpers with rubber bumpers and a redesigned dashboard that included a new speedometer. The interior trim was also improved, with better upholstered seats and upholstery.

Despite its apparent simplicity, the Fiat 500 L was the result of meticulous design. It met the needs of a growing population seeking affordable mobility in post-war Europe. It remained in production until 1972, when it was replaced by the 500 R, which had a slightly more powerful engine.

Over time, the 1971 Fiat 500 L became a prized collector's item, not only for its historical importance, but also for its distinctive design and technical ingenuity. It remains a symbol of Italian automotive engineering and a testament to the desire to offer accessible mobility to all.

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