Like the Volkswagen Beetle and Austin Mini, the Fiat 500 was a relatively inexpensive European popular car, providing buyers with a simple automobile for getting around. Ancient Evo Harry Metcalfe, the magazine’s editor, purchased a classic example at auction and took it to a model specialist in London to restore and improve the vehicle. Little did he know, many upgrades had already been installed.
According to the auction, this car belonged to the police general of Palermo, Italy. It would have had a staff of 30 people ensuring the maintenance of around 250 vehicles. The sale claimed the car was original. But the engine tells a different story.
Firstly, this is not a completely original Fiat 500 power plant. The block is correct, but drilling brings the displacement to 594 cubic centimeters. There’s also a hotter camshaft and modifications to the carburetor.
Despite all the existing improvements, Metcalfe plans to make further changes to the plant. A larger capacity Abarth oil pan will aid cooling. There will also be a more efficient camshaft and a machined cylinder head. It will also upgrade the headlights to be brighter.
The manufacturer is trying to tempt Metcalfe with additional modifications. It’s a lot more work, but he could install parts like larger pistons, aluminum cylinders and an oil cooler. However, Metcalfe’s wife doesn’t want the car to sound too aggressive, so she can’t install an exhaust with loud trumpet-like outlets.
The Fiat 500 (also known as the Cinquecento) went on sale in 1957 with a rear-mounted 479 cubic centimeter twin-cylinder engine driving the rear wheels. Later, a 499 cc variant appeared. Famously, Abarth modified the 500 for racing with even larger and more powerful engines. Massive aftermarket support meant that owners could have anything from a stock vehicle to a fully built race car.
We’re excited to see what technicians can do to make Metcalfe’s 500 more exciting while still maintaining its original appearance.
