Fiat 500, 1970
This Fiat 500 L was built in Italy in 1970 by Fiat Automobiles, before being imported to the UK.
This variant of Fiat 500 is a ‘Lusso’ (Italian for luxury) and, like most other Fiat 500 models, its design included: two doors, four seats, a rear 500cc two-cylinder engine, rear wheel drive, and a fold back soft top. The ‘Lusso’ series of Fiat 500s included a more luxurious interior design, with pleated leatherette upholstery for the doors and seating, carpet flooring, and stylish dash design. This Fiat 500 L is painted cream and has registration plates with the ID: ABW175H.
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The Fiat 500 was designed by famous Italian car designer Dante Giacosa and has become one of the most influential and successful car designs in history. The Fiat 500 was part of a highly influential wave of cheap, practical and compact car designs (such as the Volkswagen Beetle Type 1 and the BMC Mini) which were developed during the financially challenging post-war period. Production of the Fiat 500 and its many variants lasted between 1957-1975, and during this time an incredible four million Fiat 500s were sold.
Whilst the design of the Fiat 500 changed during its 18-year production run, most Fiat 500s featured two doors, four seats, a rear 500cc two-cylinder engine which produced 18 horsepower, and rear wheel drive. Many models of Fiat 500, including this one, also came with foldable black soft top. Some models of Fiat 500s were built with larger bodies, three doors or slightly larger engines.
This Fiat 500 is a model L, which stood for ‘Lusso’ which means luxury in Italian. The ‘Lusso’ was one of the last iterations of the Fiat 500 to be designed and was built in 1970. Fiat 500 Ls share an almost identical mechanical design and exterior appearance to the previous Fiat 500 Fs but are distinguishable from earlier models of Fiat 500s by the tubular guards that cover and protect the front bumpers. Fiat 500 Ls were also notable for having an updated and more fashionable interior.