Hi everyone. I have had it for a while, but I purchased a 72' Fiat 500 Lusso in Atlanta Georgia US.
It was complete when the previous owner blew the engine (likely pushed the small engine just a bit too hard). At that point he thought "we'll if I'm going to rebuild the engine I should do the entire car!"
Unfortunately he only got half way before choosing to trade the project for a BMW 2002 project.
The mechanic who traded it did not want to fund it but was nice enough to help me build it up and we are keeping the 500 engine for the future but swapping in a fiat 850 spider engine (a more common car in the US but often rusts before the engine gives out). Although I can't find an example I'm under the impression SOMEONE has done this before. I'm hoping to keep the appearance original in most respects and a standard 850 should triple the HP while leaving the option of boring to 1 liter if I go crazy. Although I think front disk brakes might be in order before that. But I digress.
I'll post pictures up shortly of its state when I purchased it and follow up when it comes back from paint, post Christmas I expect. I look forward to any suggestions or input!
Cam
It was complete when the previous owner blew the engine (likely pushed the small engine just a bit too hard). At that point he thought "we'll if I'm going to rebuild the engine I should do the entire car!"
Unfortunately he only got half way before choosing to trade the project for a BMW 2002 project.
The mechanic who traded it did not want to fund it but was nice enough to help me build it up and we are keeping the 500 engine for the future but swapping in a fiat 850 spider engine (a more common car in the US but often rusts before the engine gives out). Although I can't find an example I'm under the impression SOMEONE has done this before. I'm hoping to keep the appearance original in most respects and a standard 850 should triple the HP while leaving the option of boring to 1 liter if I go crazy. Although I think front disk brakes might be in order before that. But I digress.
I'll post pictures up shortly of its state when I purchased it and follow up when it comes back from paint, post Christmas I expect. I look forward to any suggestions or input!
Cam