1500 Newbie considering Fiat 1500 Sedan

[Sfmackem]

Hello everyone!

Ive been an Italian vehicle owner consistently now for 35 years, starting out with a 1988 Uno 55 Platinum and now owning a 1990, Series 3 Alfa Romeo Spider (owned for 24 years). In between I’ve owned a couple of X1/9s, a Fiat Panda and host of other fiats and Alfas. On 2 wheels there’s also a Vespa in there along the way!

Fair to say that I’m passionate about Italian cars.

We are now considering adding a 1960s Fiat 1500 sedan, and we are interested to learn about spare’s availability in the UK? Also to hear about things to look for when viewing a car and things to consider reliability wise. All comments really welcomed!

Many thanks in advance!

Here’s the Spider for added interest

 

[steveras57]

My first thoughts are about the cars history! by which i mean how its been kept and/or used over the past years!
has it been garaged and kept dry? has it been used? or standing ?for many years? vehicles in general do not like being TOTALLY! dormant.
Is the chassis and bodywork totally rust free? If not consider that whilst most things mechanicial can be fixed at a reasonably (relatively)economical price bodywork chassis and paint can become a big money pit very quickly!.
As for parts supply I dont know Alfas well but expect like most makes there are specialists out there to be found and theres always E-bay and the like but these cars are getting older and rare now so its kinda a shrinking market ! and i would expect that at some point you might have to look outside the uk for some of the bits you might need!.
All that being said i would not want to "put you off" owning such a car as the pleasure of owning and driving something you love( and may have desired for some time!) can not be overestimated! as long as your prepared for some "headaches" and trippers in the journey you will be in the right place! but like any "classic" vehicle the repair and maintenance costs can catch you out if your not prepared!

 

[Sfmackem]

My first thoughts are about the cars history! by which i mean how its been kept and/or used over the past years!
has it been garaged and kept dry? has it been used? or standing ?for many years? vehicles in general do not like being TOTALLY! dormant.
Is the chassis and bodywork totally rust free? If not consider that whilst most things mechanicial can be fixed at a reasonably (relatively)economical price bodywork chassis and paint can become a big money pit very quickly!.
As for parts supply I dont know Alfas well but expect like most makes there are specialists out there to be found and theres always E-bay and the like but these cars are getting older and rare now so its kinda a shrinking market ! and i would expect that at some point you might have to look outside the uk for some of the bits you might need!.
All that being said i would not want to "put you off" owning such a car as the pleasure of owning and driving something you love( and may have desired for some time!) can not be overestimated! as long as your prepared for some "headaches" and trippers in the journey you will be in the right place! but like any "classic" vehicle the repair and maintenance costs can catch you out if your not prepared!

Thanks Steve!