Fresh restoration and heavily modified great driving!1970 Fiat 500 Coupe A replacement for Fiat's much-loved 500 'Topolino' the Nuova 500 debuted in 1957. A radical departure from its predecessor's essentially pre-war design FIAT's new baby featured unitary construction an opening fabric roof and all-independent suspension. Carried at the rear the half-liter engine was an air-cooled overhead-valve twin. The basic 500's austerity was not well received however prompting the introduction of a revised and better equipped version endowed with refinements such as hubcaps wind-down windows upholstered rear seat and column-mounted switchgear stalks. This process of step-by-step improvement would continue throughout the 500's life. Carlo Abarth's company found a key growth opportunity with the launch of the Fiat 500. Fiat's new family mini-sedan was a brilliant base for tuning and Abarth's upgraded version sold in derivazione or "derivation" kits to dealers and garages for fitting into stock 600s proved wildly popular. Abarth was also a very clever businessman. His affordable 'performance cars' were ideal for the private entry racer the quintessential "drive to the track race and drive home" car. Through a sponsor partnership deal secured with Fiat he was paid for every win or second place a "Fiat Abarth" scored. It is with the Abarth 'screamer' in mind that the car offered here was built taking it to the next level. Recently imported from Italy the car was subject to a comprehensive restoration. Starting with a rust-free original car it was stripped for a re-paint in the hugely desirable white it sported from new. The car shows no sign of ever having been in an accident and panel fit is consistent and excellent throughout. All Brightwork is as-new the glass is perfect and the car rides on fat alloy wheels shod with nearly new tires. The odometer reads only 2232 km (1500 miles) from restoration and modification. And that brings us to the modifications: The engine was rebored and fully rebuilt from the crank up and features: Mondial pistons and valve guides Fiat 128 Rally valve springs Lavazzo Tecno stainless steel valves Fiat 127 Sport Connecting rod bearings – brushed and polished Lavazzo Tecno 55-75 camshaft Autobianchi Abarth oil recovery pan Modified aluminium valve covers and oil pan Ported head with high performance gaskets The exhaust is a Lavazzo Tecno full system. The alternator is a Fiat 125 item and there is an upgraded distributor and double ignition coil. And there is an anti-vibration spacer and support on to which is mounted that fantastic and huge Weber 40 from an Alfa Romeo Giulia 1300. The 4-speed gearbox was rebuilt and shifts perfectly through a new and upgraded clutch. Attention was then given to the brakes and suspension both fully upgraded with Abarth parts. The result is a total screamer. It revs to 7000rpm with ease. The car is quick like Mini 1275+ quick and handles in a similar manner. It accelerates well by even modern standards and will happily cruise at freeway speeds. It is an absolute blast to drive! The stylish interior in bianco with blue accents was fully refurbished and remains in excellent condition throughout. Dash carpets and panels are all excellent and the seats are unmarked and feel fresh new and comfortable. All electrical systems work perfectly and a brand new battery was just installed. The car is simply a blast to drive! I think I mentioned that. I mean A REAL BLAST! It feels bright and eager to run. I would genuinely drive it anywhere without consideration and have great fun doing it! The car is offered with a clean clear California title. With genuine Abarth 500s selling for $50000 or more at auction this is a great opportunity to buy a turn-key icon of Italian motoring and enduring symbol of "la dolce vita" which seats four comfortably and garners attention waves and cheers wherever it goes. It’s quick fun and loud and a piece of cake to park!!