Description
Fiat 500 Giardiniera | 1967
Highlights:
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- Rare estate version of the iconic Fiat 500
- 0.6 Liter 2-cylinder engine with manual transmission
- Restored in the Netherlands
- Verified upgrades: engine and gearbox revision, electronic ignition
- Unique rear side-hinged tailgate and increased practicality
The seller offers for sale a 1967 Fiat 500 Giardiniera, presented as the rare estate variant of Fiat’s legendary city car. This version was engineered with the engine lying flat beneath the loading floor, which freed up a surprising amount of luggage space compared to the standard 500. Powered by a 2-cylinder petrol engine enlarged to 600 cc and paired with a manual gearbox, the Giardiniera blends the charm of its origins with a small but practical dose of usability. The car is reported to have travelled 37,000 km, though the mileage is not documented as guaranteed. Registration is Dutch, with papers in order.
This example benefits from a restoration carried out in the Netherlands by a previous owner, keeping the paint in its original colour scheme. Five years ago, the engine and gearbox were fully overhauled, and a 600 cc kit was installed to improve drivability. Electronic ignition was fitted to enhance reliability, while safety belts were added to the front seats. The battery is reported as only one season old. The Giardiniera starts without issues, runs smoothly, and has passed valid inspection. The car features distinctive details, including its original Italian number plate still mounted at the front. According to the seller, it has always been carefully stored indoors, used only in fair weather, and regularly maintained with attention to its authenticity and usability.
The condition of the exterior is described as very good, with some minor blemishes consistent with the passage of time since its restoration. The underbody remains solid, and the car shows no evidence of rust or accident damage. Photographs provided document a few cosmetic imperfections, but the overall appearance is honest and appealing. Mechanically, the car is said to be in very good condition, with smooth gearbox operation. Brakes and tyres are in good working order. The interior presents at a high level, with a clean and complete layout in a well-chosen colour combination. The dashboard, steering wheel, and instrument housing are finished in white, a detail valued by enthusiasts. Additional seat belts have been installed in the front for safety. Collectively, the vehicle is considered a reliable and enjoyable example, ready to drive and offering the character of a classic Fiat 500 with added practicality.
The Fiat 500 Giardiniera occupies a distinctive niche in the history of Fiat’s celebrated city car. While the standard 500 was designed for compact urban use, the Giardiniera, introduced in 1960, extended its appeal by offering greater versatility. Fiat achieved this by reconfiguring the engine to a horizontal position under the luggage area floor, freeing up extra boot space and creating a flatter loading surface. The Giardiniera also stood apart with its unique rear side-hinged tailgate, which was unlike the top-hinged tailgates of most estate cars. With slightly longer dimensions than the standard 500, it was intended to suit families and small businesses that needed more space without sacrificing the small footprint and frugal efficiency of the 500. Production of the Giardiniera initially took place at Fiat, but later was transferred to Autobianchi, ensuring continuity for over a decade until the mid-1970s.
Today, the Giardiniera is considered a rare and highly desirable variation, as many original cars were used intensively for their practicality and few survived in well-preserved condition. The addition of the 600 cc kit, as on this example, provides a slight increase in performance while maintaining the character of the original design. Enthusiasts value the Giardiniera for combining the charm and styling of the Fiat 500 with extra usability, making it a collectible that stands out in the world of microcars. Its enduring charm lies in its combination of Italian design, small-scale engineering ingenuity, and practical features, qualities that remain appealing to collectors and casual drivers alike.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
4. Very Good: Small dents or scratches; may require minimal bodywork or paint correction.
Condition of the Interior
4. Very Good: Clean with minimal wear; may need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Technical Condition
4. Very Good: Mechanically solid, with possible minor maintenance required.
Overall Condition
4. Very Good Condition: Shows only minimal wear and is ready to drive at any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in North Brabant, Netherlands.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a Dutch registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
