The Little Fiat in a Hurry

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Fiat’s modern take on the original 500 is a cute little commuter car, in the image of its granddad. But there’s also a fast Abarth version and despite its spritely performance, modern tech and safety features it is also cheaper than buying its Granddad. This 2014 500c Esseesse convertible, with its 118kw turbocharged 1.4L engine, reading just 75800km, has a price of just $13995. That’s a fraction of what you’d have to pay for a 60s example, if you could find one.

Abarth - the legendary Italian tuning company and car manufacturer that has been around since 1949 – took the original Bambina, with it’s 2 cylinder, 18hp, air-cooled engine and made it into a mini hotrod. It may only have squeezed 27hp from its slightly enlarged lump but it weighed next to nothing and was pretty quick for such a wee car. As NZ was assembling Fiat 500s in Otahuhu they dabbled with the idea of selling the Abarth version here. Sadly, only one was made here with all the correct Abarth kit and that car has just been restored in Hawkes Bay. Genuine classic 500 Abarth cars are rare and very valuable.

So Fiat, having created the new 500 in 2007, thought it would also pay homage to the original Abarth 595 and the car we have here is the 2014 version, the Abarth 500c Esseesse. It’s quick, huge fun, looks great and it’s not expensive.

This NZ new example has the full fold back convertible roof, has travelled a modest 75787kms and a price of $13995 drive away.

This car is located at Turners Tauranga and is available now. More details here.