1973 Fiat 500 - Apri "Restored and redesigned"

Registration number: 99-YD-76

Manufacturer: Gallery Aaldering Arnhemsestraat 47 6971AP BRUMMEN, NL 0575564055 http://www.gallery-aaldering.com [email protected]

The Fiat 500 was introduced in 1957 as a small and affordable car for everyday transportation. It was simple, lightweight, and compact, but above all, it had a shape that virtually everyone recognized. In a parking space occupied by a single SUV today, you could, figuratively speaking, fit two of them. And you would probably still have enough room left to walk between them.

The 500 F arrived in 1965 and became the most widely produced version of the classic Fiat 500. Among other changes, this version received conventionally hinged doors and various technical improvements to the drivetrain. As standard, it made do with an air-cooled 499.5cc two-cylinder engine producing 18 horsepower. Not fast, but then again, outright speed was never the original idea.

According to the documented information, this Fiat began life as a Fiat 500 F and was completely rebuilt and reimagined during a comprehensive restoration. As part of the transformation, the entire roof section behind the windshield structure was removed. The doors and complete body sides were retained, making it emphatically more than an ordinary Fiat 500 with its fabric roof rolled back. This is therefore an individually built, fully open Fiat 500, with “Apri”—Italian for “open”—serving as an appropriately chosen name for the finished result.

Naturally, it brings to mind the famous beach cars of the period. The Ghia-built Jolly was also completely open, but it had no conventional doors and was generally fitted with wicker seats and a removable roof. This example, by contrast, retains its doors, windshield frame, and unmistakable Fiat 500 body. So, it is not a Jolly, nor is it an attempt to discreetly imitate one. It is simply an individual interpretation of the idea behind an open Fiat. And the modifications did not stop there.

At the rear sits a potent 650cc engine built with components from Nanni. The Italian company Nanni has been involved in performance parts and technical upgrades for models including the Fiat 500 and Fiat 126 since 1960. As a result, the name has long since become well known among enthusiasts as a specialist in this field.

The F, of course, never originally stood for “Fast.” But with this Fiat, we can certainly pretend that it did. Thanks to the larger engine, this 500 is considerably more spirited than a standard example. And that is exactly what you want, because an open Fiat should not only be fun when it is standing still. It should feel light, respond enthusiastically, and make you feel at every traffic circle as though you are traveling far faster than you actually are.

No expense was spared on the exterior either. More than €5,000 was spent on the paintwork alone. The result is almost too beautiful to drive. Almost—because keeping a roofless Fiat 500 indoors simply because it has become so beautiful would, of course, be a little strange as well.

The restoration is documented, and the car comes with Dutch registration. A completely rebuilt Fiat 500 F, equipped with a 650cc engine featuring Nanni components and transformed into a permanently open car. This Fiat has simply decided that it no longer needs a roof.

Interested? Contact Gallery Aaldering. We export our vehicles worldwide—please inquire about the available possibilities.