The Fiat 500 was introduced in 1957 as a small, affordable car for everyday use. It was simple, lightweight, and compact, with a distinctive design that was instantly recognizable. In a parking space that now fits just one SUV, you could fit two Fiat 500s, with room to walk between them.
The 500 F debuted in 1965 and became the most-produced version of the classic Fiat 500. It featured conventionally hinged doors and various technical improvements to the powertrain. It came standard with an air-cooled 499.5 cc two-cylinder engine producing 18 pk. While not fast, speed was not the original intent.
This Fiat began its life as a Fiat 500 F and was completely rebuilt and redesigned during a full restoration. The roof behind the windshield was entirely removed, creating a fully open Fiat 500. The doors and sides were retained, so it is not a standard Fiat 500 with an open fabric roof. It is a custom-built, fully open Fiat 500, aptly named "Apri," meaning "open" in Italian.
This unique vehicle evokes the style of the famous beach cars from that era. While similar to the Ghia-built Jolly, which was fully open and often had wicker seats and a removable roof, this example retains its doors, windshield frame, and recognizable 500 body. It is not a Jolly nor a replica, but a distinctive interpretation of an open-top Fiat.
In the rear, it features a powerful 650cc engine built with components from Nanni, a well-known Italian company specializing in performance parts and technical upgrades for vehicles like the Fiat 500 and Fiat 126 since 1960. Although the "F" originally did not stand for "Fast," this model might as well pretend it does. The larger engine provides a smoother drive compared to a standard model, making it lively and responsive, especially in corners.
The exterior was also carefully finished, with over 5,000 euros spent on the paint job, resulting in an almost too beautiful-to-drive appearance. However, given its open-top design and stunning finish, keeping it without a roof would be unusual.
The restoration has been documented, and the car comes with a Dutch license plate. This fully rebuilt Fiat 500 F is equipped with a 650cc engine featuring Nanni components and is configured as a permanent convertible. It has decided that a roof is no longer necessary.
Are you interested? Please contact Gallery Aaldering. We export our vehicles worldwide—ask about the possibilities.
