1969 Fiat 500 – Abarth 595 Specification

This 1969 Fiat 500 has been comprehensively restored and built to Abarth 595 specification, using a great selection of period components and some particularly difficult-to-find original parts.

Finished in the classic Abarth combination of white with a red interior, the car was restored in Italy during the 1990s. More than £20,000 was spent on parts alone during the original restoration, giving some idea of the extent of the build. The body remains rust free today and presents as a well-kept older restoration rather than something freshly completed for sale.

Power comes from an 110F engine built to 595 specification and fitted with a Weber 28 IMB carburettor. A Record Monza exhaust completes the setup, giving the little twin-cylinder engine the unmistakable sound and twin-outlet appearance associated with tuned Abarths.

The car sits on genuine Campagnolo wheels originally fitted to the Fiat-Abarth 850 TC. These are fitted with Pirelli Cinturato CN54 tyres and even retain a set of original new-old-stock Campagnolo wheel bolts – a small detail, but one that gives a good indication of the attention that went into putting the car together.

The interior follows the same approach. The red 595-style trim is joined by Jaeger instruments and a Nardi-style steering wheel, giving the cabin a suitably sporting feel while retaining the simplicity of the original 500. A new stereo has also been fitted for a little added usability.

Since coming to the UK, the Fiat has continued to receive specialist attention and has more recently been maintained by Proietti in London.

In 2022 alone, approximately £2,000 was spent with Proietti on mechanical work. This included a full service, replacement spark plugs, ignition leads, points and condenser. The cylinder head was removed for a new head gasket and decoke, while the steering box was also refurbished.

The result is far more than a standard Fiat 500 with a handful of cosmetic Abarth additions. The 595-specification engine, Weber carburettor and Record Monza exhaust take care of the mechanical side, while the genuine Campagnolo wheels, Jaeger instruments and carefully chosen interior details give the car the right period appearance.

Importantly, it hasn't been taken so far that it loses what makes a Fiat 500 enjoyable in the first place. It remains a compact, simple and usable road car, but with a much more interesting specification and considerably more character than a standard example.

With its older Italian restoration, substantial original build cost, rust-free body and recent specialist maintenance, this is a very nicely put together interpretation of the Abarth 595 and one that has clearly had considerable time and money invested in it over the years.

As with all of our vehicles, we have a digital folder available on request containing additional images, walkaround videos and further details of the car. The car can be viewed by appointment at our West London showroom.