1974 Fiat 500 R Registration Number: KPW 804N Chassis Numbe...

Hammer

£5,000

1974 Fiat 500 R

Registration Number: KPW 804N
Chassis Number: 5193899
Recorded Mileage: c.25,000 kms

- Recently recommissioned
- As used on The Trial of Christine Keeler

At Fiat, the approval of the new model 126 was preceded by a long debate on the real opportunity for a radical replacement of the 500 rather than a simple update. In any case it was immediately obvious that the mechanics, robust and economical , remained unchanged. Also on the basis of the first “safety” requests of the cars, the end was chosen for the launch of a new model; however the still substantial success of the 500 did not immediately diminish but allowed a phasing in for another three years in the Fiat range.

At the Turin Motor Show, in November 1972, the Fiat 126 was presented as well as the last series of the 500: the R (“Renewed”) or, as it was also initially called, “unified”. The engine that equipped both cars was a 594cc unit. The new engine in the 500 R delivered a maximum power of 18hp with a Weber 24 carburettor, allowing the 500 R to hit the 100kph threshold on the open road. The public then seemed to prefer the 126 and so the extraordinary adventure of the 500 ended 1st August 1975. 

Formerly part of a large and prestigious collection for many years, more recently the little Fiat has been owned by a local Italian car enthusiast, being recommissioned with a new fuel tank, fuel pump, battery, electronic ignition and new leads/distributor cap, headlamp bezels, and used purely for fun local trips and film work. The Fiat recently had a cameo role in the BBC drama, The Trial of Christine Keeler.

The Fiat will be sold with a current V5C and new MOT certificate, and original jack.