Hi, bought my 500 classic today and am in love with it, however, when driving home (3 mile)their was a lot of exhaust smoke in the car, I was worried I may have bought a pup. Any advice gratefully recieved

I would first ensure that no exhaust is leaking out of the engine. Check to make sure there are no leaks at the exhaust elbow-engine gaskets, and the elbow-muffler gaskets. Also check to make sure there is a hollow bolt just below where the exhaust elbow meets the engine (I think the hollow bolt only started appearing after a certain year?). If exhaust is coming out of the hollow bolt, I believe that means there is a head gasket leak. I also believe that if there is a head gasket leak and a solid bolt where the hollow bolt should be, the exhaust will be forced through the heating tube and into the interior of the car.

I would also check to see that you have a tube connecting the tinwork to the interior heating channel that enters the cabin of the car. A missing tube would likely be how exhaust is entering the cabin if you do have an exhaust leak.

Picture 1: The two exhaust gaskets on one side of the engine.
Picture 2: Hollow bolt below exhaust elbow
Picture 3: Connecting tube into cabin of car. (also the exhaust elbow gasket again)

If it works and drives thats a million times better than the condition most people get them in!
Theres a little leaver behind the handbrake on the centre tunnel. This is the heater flap that fiat500 is talking about. The heater is effectively the engine... so if you close this for now it will stop you from gassing yourself sort term

Chris

fantastic advice, I phoned previous owner and he told me that there is a slight oil leak, (there are a few spots on garage floor) so once I get if this shutdown I will shut heater flap, check as above, and get oil leak sorted. You couldn't prise the smile of my face when I drive or look at it. I have 7 lambrettas and a vespa as well, and need a bigger garage,

Have the same problem, engine leaks and has high emissions, I totally deactivate the heater by removing the rubber hose and block the heater pipe to the cabin but still got fumes coming from outside like from Windows.