General Newbie looking to get into classic 500’s - guidance requested

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General Newbie looking to get into classic 500’s - guidance requested

RegularJeff

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Hello. This is my first ever post on this forum, so go easy on me haha. Regardless, my name is Vincent and I have always loved classic 500’s. There’s one in my town and I get so excited when I see one. Owning one is a dream. However all I know is the that the 500 D is somewhat different than a 500L.

I already own a somewhat small and old car, that being a miata. However, a classic 500 I believe is definitely a step up in terms of experience. I have decent mechanical skills, a budget of around 10 grand, and am flexible in my terms of what 500 I want. Meaning I’m not seeking a particular model year, trim, or anything. As long as I can get a classic 500 that looks the part, I’m happy.

I live in SoCal, and would like to drive it in that environment sometimes.

Is getting a classic 500 in my budget realistically? What do I look out for? Is fixing them simple? are parts available? Where do you go to buy one? What are things that new owners aren’t used to that should think about? Are some model years and trims more sought after than others? Where should I start looking to learn about these cars? Could someone point me in the right direction?

Thank you all very much and have a good day.
 
Get one with the best possible body. These cars rust, a lot, and body work is far and away more expensive and challenging to repair than anything mechanical. Anything mechanical is pretty straightforward. Parts are easily found, though many are reproductions and some are iffy quality, so sometimes it is trial and error. You’ll also find it easier to order parts in batches from the UK or Europe. I’d say lately prices have been north of $10k US, but not too far north. Look at websites like Bring a Trailer to see some recent sales. You’ll probably want. 500L or 500R - models made at the end of the production run in the 1970s. That said, some of the earlier models, while very similar, have more charming features like a round instrument cluster and suicide doors on early models. Good luck!
 
One big thing to keep in mind is California emissions requirements. It's bitten one member here who bought a later-year car and had to sell it because he couldn't register it.

If memory serves, CA requires ANYTHING post-75(?) to comply with emissions. If that can't be done, it can't be registered in CA. If you have a pathway to registering out of state, that might not be a high hurdle, but it's something you need to consider. Double-check the date/emissions requirements.

Otherwise, second what Uaglio said. The motor and hard parts are easy to find and fix. Bodywork and resto get pricey quickly, so start with the best condition car you can find.
 
I totally agree with everything that Matt (Jumpjet) and Uaglio have said, but may I add 1 more piece of advise. Before you commit your hard earned sheckels to buying a 500, try and find somebody who is prepared to let you have a drive of a 500 (there are a surprising number of cinquecento owners in California). The 500 gearbox has NO synchromesh so you will HAVE to learn how to double-de-clutch, and be comfortable with that skill. Also, the 500 is a SMALL car and if you are planning to take your lady with you on trips in the 500, make sure that she is comfortable with the 500's lack of performance and being driven in a car where the average truck tyre is taller!
These suggestions may show you that the 500 is not for you---but better to realise that before you buy a car, and still enjoy it from a distance than to buy a car and find that (a) you are not comfortable with it and, (b) it becomes a bone of contention between you and 'er indoors.
Whatever you do decide, all the best; if you DO become a cinquecento owner you will find that this Forum is possibly the frendliest and most helpful--we are here to help.
 
Everyone here is giving great advice. Think about why you want one most importantly. You say you have a Miata. That’s like comparing a spaceship to a covered wagon. These cars are an absolute blast to drive, easy to work on and will get you loads of smiles, laughs and thumbs up from every other driver out there. Having said that, they are small, slow and fairly primitive. That’s what I happen to love about them and other old cars I own.

Uaglio is dead on about the metalwork and having owned several vintage cars I can confirm that metalwork will sink you every time. If the body is solid you can sort out the mechanicals pretty easily without going broke. You could probably disassemble one of these over a weekend.

Keep your eyes open and your performance expectations in check and you should be able to find a nice one. BaT goes in spurts and you can usually find pretty nice ones there, but lately a few have been completely ridiculous ego driven sales. I would say 10-13K should get you a very nice example you could drive on day 1.

This community is absolutely awesome for help btw and you can get answers to just about any question you will come up with here.
 
Wow! Thank you guys for the information, I really appreciate it. I have sent out a couple inquiries with a few cars, but they are rare around here. Thank you for the heads up on the rust, are there any common rust spots that I should look out for? I am 5'10, 180 pounds with slightly longer than average legs. I fit in a miata very well, would I fit in a 500 decently?

I will keep checking BaT for examples. Trying to find an owner to let me inside their car may be hard, but I definitely will try. Thank you guys very much for the help I really appreciate it. If I can find one to scoop up, I would be honored to join the forum!

P.s: What does cinquecento mean?
 
Wow! Thank you guys for the information, I really appreciate it. I have sent out a couple inquiries with a few cars, but they are rare around here. Thank you for the heads up on the rust, are there any common rust spots that I should look out for? I am 5'10, 180 pounds with slightly longer than average legs. I fit in a miata very well, would I fit in a 500 decently?

I will keep checking BaT for examples. Trying to find an owner to let me inside their car may be hard, but I definitely will try. Thank you guys very much for the help I really appreciate it. If I can find one to scoop up, I would be honored to join the forum!

P.s: What does cinquecento mean?

I am the same size as you…plenty of room. They are deceptively roomy inside.

Cinquecento…Italian for 500
 
I picked up my 500 off BaT at $9k, just under your budget.
After getting the car, I really wish I would have looked at it in person before bidding. It needed a lot more work that the seller was not letting on about. Be careful with that budget and BaT if not buying locally.

I’m at about $2k in parts thus far, with a lot to go.

Regarding your height, see below. I’m 5’8” and the wife is 5’2” (sans bun)
 

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I'm right at 6' and fit fine. Your outboard shoulder will be right up against the door but easily remedied by hanging an elbow out. Every time so 'larger' person says "there's no way I'd fit in that" I offer to let them try. Even the ~6'5"/280ish doorman at a nearby bar fit well enough.

They are surprisingly roomy.

"Cinque" = five
"Cento" = (one) hundred
"Cinquino" is slang that roughly translates to 'little 500' / 'little 5' ... '-ino/a' and '-etto/a' make the noun "small" or "little"... you'll see variations of words with those endings throughout 500 circles.
 
I do the same at shows---so far the tallest person that I have got in my "wee beastie" (JUST!) was 6ft 7in! It is the length of leg that seems to make the difference.
 
I'm biased...
but I would say go as early as possible...
Fiat launched the 500 in the late 50s early 60s in the US... so there are more early cars.. have seen people buy them on Craigslist for $1800
So later cars are personal imports and potentially fewer so perhaps that explains the high prices...
Early cars are a pain as parts are rare....
you can put in a later engine/box and even suspension....

But in the view of the Italians the early cars are purer and the only 500 to own...
the plus side is potentially they are always gong to be worth more...
(probably less than 250 known N's and they keep popping up in the USA)

Long sunroof and suicide doors what else can you ask for....

The reality is any 500 is a hoot to own and you will always attract people to the cuteness... so be prepared for attention when you park up at the supermarket...
 
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