Most of the cars we feature here at CICFS are mint condition examples of Italian motoring icons. However, a recent inquiry from a reader looking for a Topolino to restore had me come across this 1972 Fiat 500, the successor to the "little mouse." While this car looks a little tired, it would make a solid candidate for a cosmetic and mechanical overhaul.

1972 Fiat 500L

This is a 1972 Sky Blue, team Gigi Maroni Fiat 500 with a retractable roof. This car was imported from Italy it has around 71,369 miles. I say around because this car runs and drives and is occasionally driven around. This car is registered and has recently past inspection. This car is an excellent restoration candidate. I posted as many pictures as I can so you can see what I mean. This car has a sold body, interior with no rips, beautiful dash and as I said the car runs and drives! I say restorable because it has some surface rust but needs little to be perfect.

With the return of Fiat to the US market, prices continue to rise for well preserved examples of the original Cinquecentos. A fairly easy vehicle to restore and maintain, this car represents a good basis for the novice restorer or someone looking to save a bit of money from the outset and have a project which they can enjoy completing themselves.

-Paul