Introduction

The Fiat 500, like the Volkswagen Beetle and Austin Mini, is a European people’s car known for its relatively inexpensive price tag. It provides buyers with a simple means of transport, something of a real necessity in congested urban areas. This article tells the story of former Evo magazine editor-in-chief Harry Metcalfe, who bought a classic Fiat 500 at auction to restore and upgrade it. While he was prepared for this project, he was in for a surprise. He found that the car, meant to be a stock model according to the auction listing, was far from basic – it had been upgraded generously by its previous owner, the general of police in Palermo, Italy.

The Unexpected Discovery

Contrary to the auction listing, which claimed that the car was a stock model, Harry discovered upon his purchase, that the Fiat 500 in question was not entirely original. The engine block remained the same, but the displacement had been increased to 594 cubic centimeters, thanks to boring. The vehicle also had a hotter camshaft and modifications to the carburettor – a clear indicant that it had been upgraded from its original condition.

The Former Owner’s Touch

The previous owner of this Fiat 500 apparently had a rather lavish lifestyle. He allegedly owned 250 vehicles and had a 30-strong team to service them. Notably, this vehicle was not originally outfitted to be a high-performance car; all the enhancements were added by the Italian police general, pointing towards his fascination with automobiles.

Metcalfe’s Plans For The Fiat 500

Intrigued by the potential of the car, Harry plans to introduce even more modifications. These planned upgrades include a higher-capacity, Abarth-branded oil pan for enhanced cooling, along with a higher-performance camshaft. He also plans to upgrade to brighter headlights. Furthermore, other modifications such as larger pistons, aluminium cylinders, and an oil cooler were recommended to him, although he has shown restraint in order to prevent the car from gaining an overly aggressive sound.

The Fiat 500 Overrides

The Fiat 500, also known as the Cinquecento, debuted in 1957. It was equipped with a two-cylinder 479 cubic centimeter engine mounted at the rear, which drove the rear wheels. Later came a 499 cubic centimeter variant, and Abarth modified 500s for racing by installing larger, more powerful engines. The vehicle’s immense popularity amongst car enthusiasts ensured a massive aftermarket support, allowing owners to modify it from a stock vehicle to a fully built race car.

The Upcoming Enhancements

Harry Metcalfe’s journey with this classic Fiat 500 has been both unexpected and exciting. He is keen to see what else can be done to make his Fiat 500 more thrilling while maintaining the semblance of its original design. This undertaking is not just a restoration project, but also an endeavor to strike a balance between performance and maintaining the car’s original character.