Oldtimer Australia is delighted to introduce you to “Bambi”, our 1968 Fiat 500 F. The car is being offered for sale from a deceased estate and in excess of 30 years of continuous ownership.

Unfortunately, the early history of this little Fiat is not known. What we do know is that it has been in the currently family’s care since 1993.

When the car was acquired, it was a running and driving car, but in need of some cosmetic attention. The car was repainted, a new sun roof fitted and seat belts added for safety.

The owners were members of the Gold Coast Antique and Classic Auto Club and “Bambi” was regularly seen at club events back in the 1990s and early 2000s.

The owner of the car was a very well respected York Motors trained Mercedes-Benz mechanic who owned and operated his own Mercedes-Benz service business on the Gold Coast. As a result he maintained the car himself throughout his ownership.

Today this Fiat 500 can be best described as a nice driver quality car. From say a metre away the car presents well, but upon closer inspection there are some imperfections. The most noticeable imperfection is a small dent on the right rear wheel arch. There are very small defects, most likely ‘micro blisters’ on most panels. You can feel them more than you can see them, but they are there. Both the front and rear bumper present well as do all the lights and lenses. All the glass on the car is in good condition with no scratches or cracks evident.

Open the door and you are welcomed by a simple but very presentable interior. The seats are in good condition with no cracks or tears evident in the vinyl. All the carpets are equally in good condition. The dashboard in a Fiat 500 is very basic. All you have is the speedo in front of you, which is in excellent condition, as well as a few switches to operate the lights, wipers and fan. The original steering wheel presents with a few small cracks.

The fabric roof is in good condition and it opens and closes easily.

In August 2024 new wheels were fitted and they are still in excellent condition with no signs of any kerb rash. They are shod with Pirelli Cinturato CN12 tyres, size 125 SR12. They are date stamped ‘2221’ (week 22, 2021) and are in good condition.

At the same time the brakes were serviced, new front and rear wheel cylinders, new brake shoes, new brake hoses, new front and rear brake drums and a new brake master cylinder were fitted. The rear drive shafts were removed and new inner boots were fitted. All this work was done by the Classic Car Clinic on the Gold Coast.

Starting a Fiat 500 of this period is an interesting exercise. First you turn the ignition on using the key. You only need to use the choke to start the car from cold, which is activated by lifting the left lever located in between both seats. Then you lift the right lever located next to the choke, to start the car. The car starts easily even from cold and then quickly settles into a smooth idle.

It is not all about Italian V12 engines at Oldtimer Australia and we were looking forward to test driving this car. We are pleased to report that on our test drive the car did everything it was expected to do. The little 500cc engine revs freely and sounds really good. The gearbox takes a little getting used to as there is no synchro, however, you get the hang of it fairly quickly. The car handles and steers well, aided no doubt by the recently fitted Pirelli Cinturato tyres. The brakes work well and most importantly pull the car up in a straight line.

This is not a show car, rather a very well cared for and much loved driver quality car that can be used and enjoyed. It is guaranteed to put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel. What a fun car to take to your local cars and coffee or just take out for a Sunday morning drive to your favourite café.

Accompanying the car is a spare wheel and a jack, a copy of an owner’s manual, and a Fiat 500 owner’s workshop manual.

It is time for “Bambi” to start a new adventure!

Highlights:

• Offered from continuous family ownership since 1993.
• Well sorted mechanically.
• Ready to use and enjoy.
• Great value classic.