Fiat 500L "Luxe" Microcar, Cute as a button and NO RESERVE!!!

1971 Fiat 500 Deluxe

Up for sale is my "Luigi" Fiat 500 L. For those unfamiliar it was featured in the movie "Cars" and was also used for several years in Ikea catalogs. These were never sold in the US and the first time I saw one in Italy in 1999 I had to have one. These cars fall under the microcar category and have a special legion of fans worldwide landing spots in several books and literature for earning iconic status. Surprisingly these cars were made for decades en mass and competed with VW in Europe based on simplicity and utilitarian design.
Get in this car and drive anywhere but be prepared to be looked at where ever you go! Details below:
Overview/History
As stated I had never seen one of these prior to traveling to Europe but purchased this one in 2000 from a Microcar collector in Georgia (his garage was a treasure trove of microcar oddities from Isettas to Messerschmitts) We had rented a car trailer to bring it home to CT but in hindsight could have fit it on a landscape trailer or back of a pickup truck. Even with it's diminutive measurements at 6'1 I'm able to drive the car comfortably and without having to pop my head out the sunroof and with surprising legroom I even managed to fit my ex and 3 small children and two pugs in the car for a trip to the Dairy Queen (Of course we resembled a clown troupe exiting it but I digress) The tiny peddles are a bit challenging if you have large feet but I'm a size 10 and manage fine. I invested a couple thousand dollars over the years maintaining it and much like the simplicity of the Beetle any basic mechanic can work on it (hell even a good lawnmower mechanic could manage). Simple 2 cylinder 0.5 liter air-cooled motor mated to a 4 speed gear box is more than adequate to get around. Clutch is good, manual brakes (redone) and new battery this past week. This car is driven locally though I've ventured on long distance trips as well. Can do 55-60 mph on highway but don't expect to go winning any drag races or tours at LeMans. I can't begin to tell you how much attention it's garnered at car shows (kids especially) and how fun it's been to drive into the city and park almost anywhere. It is equipped with seatbelts (why?) and all lights, horn, blinkers etc work. Gas tank is in the trunk along with spare tire and jack. Runs on regular gas though I do add lead substitute and uses non detergent oil for the motor (no oil filters and such to contend with). Engine was resealed and uses very little oil though does smoke slightly until its driven for a while. Parts availability is a non issue as there are a couple companies in the US that specialize in old Fiats. I've also gotten parts from overseas.
Body/Interior:
Fiat has all original body panels and floors and frame are solid and rust free. There is rust on the bottoms of both doors (door structure not rockers) but doesn't affect overall stability. Fold back vinyl sunroof is good and front roll down windows and vent windows keep it tolerable during the summer. Heat is forced air and is controlled by a switch on the floor (similar to old Beetles) and adequate to drive year round. Undercarriage and floors are solid and rust free. There are nicks and imperfections throughout the car and I own my cars to drive and enjoy not as trailer queens/museum pieces. Front seat coverings are shot mainly on the sides and bolsters but fairly simple to replace. Carpet, dash and other interior items in very good condition and original. Original schoolbus yellow though appears to have been resprayed at some point. Excellent candidate for restoration or modification or enjoy and show it as i did.
Mechanical:
Engine has decent compression and runs like a sewing machine. Generator brushes replaced along with main seal and engine seals. Tires are 12 inch with tubes so while tire rubber is aged and worn still has adequate tread. Painted rims and bolt on poverty hubcaps. I added some chrome plastic moldings throughout to dress the car up slightly along with the black decal "racing stripes" I drive the car about once a week to keep it active but have clocked very few miles in the 17 years I've had it. Odometer reads 61,895 km which translates to 38K miles. I can't verify this is original so use your own judgement.
Sale Details:
I have a clear PA title in my name. I am letting the market dictate the final sale price of this car with NO reserve and do NOT have this car for sale locally. (I have no time for kids with no money wanting to go for joy rides). Serious buyers only!! (that means clear the purchase with your wife, accountant and cat before placing a bid) Please do your due diligence with this car. I welcome any mechanic, personal, or third party inspector to view prior to purchase. I have 100% feedback, been a member since 2000 and have bought and sold dozens of cars over the years but am NOT a dealer or car expert just a car lover. Understand you are bidding to purchase not to come back after the transaction or delivery and start picking the car apart. I have presented this Fiat honestly as a car that's meant to be driven and enjoyed and not a museum piece and it's priced to move. Deposit must be paid within 24 hours and is non-refundable. Final Payment can be in form of certified check, wire transfer or Paypal (though buyer must pay associated fees.) Sorry I don't accept trades, livestock or yen as payment. The only reason for sale is lack of storage and a divorce and a means to raise cash. The last picture in the cache is of my "fleet" and all the other vehicles are/ will be listed for sale as well. I'm truly saddened to see them all go at a significant loss versus investment. I am easily accessible by all major transportation and close to the Philly airport and will help in any way possible to make this an enjoyable transaction. Feel free to contact anytime with any questions. Good luck on this NO RESERVE auction and thanks for looking!

• Condition: Used
• Make: Fiat
• Model: 500
• SubModel: Luxe
• Type: Coupe
• Trim: Deluxe
• Year: 1971
• Mileage: 38,459
• Color: Yellow
• Engine size: 0.5 L 2 cylinder
• Number of cylinders: 2
• Fuel: Gasoline
• Transmission: Manual
• Drive type: RWD
• Interior color: Black
• Options: Sunroof
• Vehicle Title: Clear
Want to buy? Contact seller!