Fiat Cinquecento Sporting

A remarkably well-preserved example of this three door hatchback, once a common site on British Roads. This ‘Top of the range’ model, especially popular in the UK market where the ‘Sporting’ derivative had a unique combination of extras which were often only available as options in other markets. The smooth 1108cc 4 cylinder engine just loves to be revved and this, together with comfortable sporty seats and a slick 5 speed box, gives the sensation and image of sporty performance, though with just 54bhp, it is just a sensation.
Red seatbelts, leather steering wheel and gear knob, those smart 13″ alloy wheels and vibrant body colours add to the sense of fun, which is really what these little cars are all about. Made in Poland of galvanised steel, there were other model variants with engines as small as 700cc, even an electric version, though these weren’t officially sold in RHD or in the UK.
Succeeded in 1998 by the more rounded Seicento, mechanically virtually identical but with softer, more rounded body style, the youngest Cinquecento is now over 20 years old. Jeremy Clarkson was impressed with the car when he compared it to its contemporary Mini, and well he might have been. The conquecento has 5 speeds, a smoother engine, more complaint ride and more interior space than a mini. Many would say that, in its own way, it also competed with the Mini in the style and panache stakes. This example has kept company with Italian cares of all marques at various shows and is often admired by owners of far more exotic machines. Ferrari owners seem especially taken with it!