1959 Fiat 600 Second Series - To ‘Fast-Road’ Specification ...

Hammer

£9,000

1959 Fiat 600 Second Series - To ‘Fast-Road’ Specification

Registration Number: 197 UYO
Chassis Number: 861574
Recorded Mileage: 32,800 miles

- Subject of previous restoration
- Uprated 903cc Fiat 127 Sport engine
- Over £5,500 in recent upgrades

A hugely important car for Fiat (the first million rolled off the production line in the first six years), the rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive Fiat 600 could carry four adults in comfort. The new water-cooled engine mustered up to 29bhp, enough to propel the 600 to around 70mph, with around 50 mpg. All models were fitted with a four-speed manual gearbox and such luxuries as a cabin heater, something of a rarity at the time. Early 600s were fitted with rear-hinged ‘suicide’ doors, later replaced by front-hinged units from 1964. The 600 ended production in 1969, after around 2.6 million had been built.

First registered in Pistoia, Tuscany, on the 24th January 1959, this little Fiat is affectionately known as ‘Lollo’. The 600 was imported into the UK from Tuscany 10 years ago, receiving the age-related registration number 197 UYO. The then new owner set about a full body restoration, finishing in the original colour of Pistachio. At the time a more powerful 903cc Fiat 127 Sport engine was installed in place of the original 600cc unit. 

Our current owner purchased Lollo around a year ago, and quickly realised that, although the basic 903 Sport engine installation was sound, ancillaries and supporting components were not up to the job, plus the little front drum brakes were completely inadequate for the large power increase. Therefore he set about a programme of upgrades and refurbishment which made the car truly usable, and also great fun. The brief was to keep the car as standard-looking as possible, but with the Abarth upgrades fitted. The full list of upgrades and parts (£5,500+) are listed in the history file, and include a Fiat 850 Abarth Spider finned alloy sump pan (with baffle system and high flow oil pump), Abarth full sports exhaust system, also Abarth 850TC lowered front leaf spring with all new mounts. Cooling is improved with an upgraded alloy high flow radiator, high flow later style water pump, electric cooling fan conversion and full silicone hose set. Electronic ignition is now fitted, mated to an alternator in place of the original dynamo. 

The suspension was then treated to all new steering rods, joints, arms and idler assembly, rare Fiat 850 Spider (5J x 13) wheels are fitted, with the correct hub caps. The car now stops very well with the assistance of a Fiat 850 S3 Spider disc brake assembly (including uprights), and the correct master cylinder upgrade for disc conversion. Lollo wears correct period-style Italian number plates (UK plates are also included). A number of new parts/spares are included with the car, such as rear lenses, cables and so on.

This refurbishment was celebrated last year by a week-long touring holiday in the Channel Islands, and with numerous classic car runs and shows having followed since. Lollo is now a great town daily driver, totally reliable and fuss free, displaying the character of a rear-engined Mini Cooper, with handling and braking to match the considerable power increase.

This little pocket rocket comes complete with an excellent history file containing original Italian ACI Registration Document, original handbook (in English) and dealer brochures, the Autovox radio instruction brochure, two factory workshop manuals (covering both the 600 car and the 127 Sport engine), a rare second series parts book, and even an original period picture of the car in Italy. Detailed pictures of the body restoration are also included. The file contains a raft of invoices for parts testifying to the huge expenditure the little Fiat has recently enjoyed. 

Our current owner is selling merely to thin out his collection and to focus on another long term project. All in all a really beautiful, well prepared example of the rare and desirable model in the UK, on the button and ready to be enjoyed.