1959 FIAT 600 - BEAUTIFUL CA. #'s MATCHING SUICIDE DOOR - LOOKS & RUNS GREAT!

Price: Ask a price!
Make: Fiat
Model: 600 SUICIDE DOOR COUPE
Type: Coupe FIAT 600
Trim: 2 DOOR
Year: 1959
Mileage: 89,638
VIN: 570743
Color: Orange
Engine size: 600cc
Number of cylinders: 4
Fuel: Gasoline
Transmission: 4-Speed
Drive type: RWD
Interior color: Tan
Vehicle Title: Clear
Location: Pleasanton, California, United States

Description

A "10" on the Unique Scale!
1959 Fiat 600
1959 "Suicide Door" 600
Long Time ""Blue Plate" California Car
Rae, Original Example in Excellent Cosmetic & Mechanical Condition!
_________________________________________
Introduced in 1955 as a replacement to the Fiat Topolino, the Fiat 600 was produced from 1955 to 1969, during which time over 1.5 million cars were produced. Unlike its predecessor, the car was designed to accommodate 4 people and, with its 4 cylinder engine, be capable of speeds in excess of 65 mph. The Fiat was a perfect choice for a "City Car" measuring just over 10.5 feet in length and 4.5' wide. To say it was fuel efficient would be an understatement, achieving a 45+ mpg rating.
Today, locating a solid, original, and rust free 600 has become increasingly difficult in part as a result of the high volume of cars that did not survive in "rust zones" around the globe. The cars remained similar in configuration over the course of time with only minimal changes to the grills and front bumpers and trim. The more desirable cars are the 600's with "suicide doors"(hinged at the rear, not the front as traditional cars today) are those produced prior to the early 1960's when the configuration of the doors was changed. Today, "suicide doors" have become popular after a long absence and can be found on the Rolls Royce Phantom and custom manufactured automobiles.
This 1959 Fiat 600 has reportedly covered 59,576 miles (showing 89,366 kilometers) and retains the original ID plate identifying the car as production # 570743 with engine # 622201. The engine retains its original factory stamping supporting that the car has a number matching engine. The paint code on the trim tag of #135 further supports the cars originality decoding to "Fiat Coral Red." Finally, the car retains the California blue / yellow license plates (front & rear) that document the car's life in California since the plates were issued in the early 1970's. The title is clean California and the car carries current California registration (for CA buyers) through June, 2016.
The Fiat's previous owner acquired the car for use as an advertising vehicle for a tangerine farm so the car has affectionately become known as "Tangerine", for obvious reasons. In 2015, the Fiat was featured at Mandarin Festival, Auburn, CA. where it generated considerable attention. The history of this Fiat 600 indicates previous California owners, one of whom was a long-time "caregiver." To use current nomenclature, the car represents a true "Survivor." Over the course of 57 years, previous owners have made every effort to maintain the cars original configuration including #'s matching drive-line and exterior & interior components. The car is fitted with the original instruments (one center gauge that incorporates the speedometer, oil gauge, and fuel gauge) along with the original dash switches, light indicators, and a cigarette lighter. The dash and the entire interior reflect a lovely patina and original condition for this 57+ year old Fiat. Front and rear seats are originally configured, and in excellent condition including the fold down rear seat and carpeted area(s) on the back of the seat/platform. Rear seats include seat belts for two passengers that were used to secure younger passengers.
The structure of the Fiat is excellent with very good body panel fit, a recent respray in the original color (photos included to show the quality of the "pre-repaint" exterior) to demonstrate that the cars straight rust free exterior prior to the respray. The Fiat 600 has lovely original "California quality" exterior trim, stock wheels with excellent tread tires, factory bumpers with over-riders, and original badges & emblems. All glass is free from damage and in good condition with side panels complete with original markings. Windows roll up freely, doors close solidly and latch securely.
Mechanically, the car is a very reliable example that runs, drives, and handles as designed. With the use of the floor mounted choke, the car comes to life when cold, and always starts immediately whether hot or cold. The car is nimble with excellent steering, brakes that stop the car straight and use, and a fully functional emergency brake. The "600" has a strong engine that propels the car to speeds over 60 mph, making it a usable car in all but the fastest highway systems. The Fiat is an excellent choice for use around town, and is geared in such as a way as to provide peppy performance from its reliable 4 cylinder engine. The engine, clutch and transmission, show no signs of problems and the Fiats electrical system is functional including working headlights, turn signals, wipers and brake lights.
The maintenance / service file reflects work within the last few thousand miles including, but not limited to the following:
- Rebuilding & re-webbing front seat cushions, cleaning frames
- R&R radiator, repair, clean add new coolant
- Check for fuel leak & repair carburetor
- Remove engine and replace gaskets to eliminate any leaks
- Remove gas tank, clean system and add liner to prevent any rust issues
- New water pump & pulley
- Brakes & wheels cylinders, front & rear hoses
- Oil service and filter element
- Replace air cleaner element
- New windshield wiper blades & arms
- Replace/upgrade interior trim (window handles, door latch handles, alloy pull handles, etc.) with excellent original components
This car represents a beautiful example of a long time California Fiat that has survived in very original, un-molested condition and has received excellent care over the course of its close to 60 years. The combination of original and "restored" condition make it difficult example to duplicate, especially due to the presence of the complete (and rare) exterior and interior trim components.
We have had the pleasure of enjoying the Fiat for several hundred miles in our little town and it has been a wonderful car. It would make an excellent choice as an advertising vehicle, beach car or in any community where a totally unique vehicle would be appreciated, and welcomed. To say the car attracts considerable attention would be a dramatic understatement.
Classic Cars Ltd.
925-846-1451

Specifications:
Body Type / Style:	Coupe
Exterior Color:	Orange
Interior Color:	Tan
Engine:	4 Cylinder
Transmission:	4 Speed Manual
Mileage:	59,576
Drive:	Rear
Doors:	2

Equipment:
California Lic & Reg Exempt From Smog in California Factory 4-Speed Factory Bucket Seats Factory Gauges Factory Spare Fold Down Rear Seat Heater / Defroster Interior Light			Local California "Survivor" Matching Numbers Engine Matching Numbers Transmission New Paint No Rust CA. Body Rear Bench Seat Rear Seat Belts Runs / Drives Very Well SEE DESCRIPTION.....

Fresh Re-Spray (Trim Removed)
Lovely Long Time California Car
Very Nice Original Trim
Factory Bumperettes
Beautiful Front Grill Trim
Very Good Panel Fit
Unique Suicide Doors
Straight Damage Free Body
Original Blue Plates (1970's)
Restored Wheels
Original Factory Hubcaps
Good Tires
Suicide Doors!
Nice Exterior Trim
Great Factory Emblems
Lovely Interior
A true Survivor!
Correct Seats (Front & Rear)
Fold Down Seats
Folded Down / Nice Carpet
Nice Door Panels
Interior Light (in mirror) Works!
Repainted Dash
Original Wheel
Original Switches / Inndicators
Complete Headliner / Visors
Runs and Drives Very Well
Tidy & Original
Numbers Matching Engine
Original Wiper Bag
Restored Fuel Tank
Original Mat & Spare Tire
Solid, Original Front End
Front Bumper Supports
Solid Frame - Original & Nothing Hidden
Solid Frame - Original & Nothing Hidden
Inner Wheel Wells..No Rust
No Rust Through
VERY Solid Inner Wheel Well
Clean/ Recent Brakes
Prior to Recent Complete Re-Spray
Very Solid / Straight Body (Before)
Perfect Advertising Car (Removable Sign)
Fantastic Example!

Terms & Conditions

Buyers outside of California will be responsible for a $195.00 fee for processing/administration. The charge will apply if the vehicle is purchased through ebay or before or after the auction, directly through Classic Cars Ltd.
The vehicle is listed for sale elsewhere. We reserve the right to end the auction at anytime. We will be glad to discuss details of a "pre-auction" purchase (925) 846 1451.
Inspections of vehicles are encouraged but (by appointment only) must be completed within 24 hours of the end of the auction.
Out of state buyers are responsible for the high bid and any shipping costs. California buyers are subject to the appropriate sales tax, DMV transfer, and fees associated with the purchase of any used vehicle sale in the state of California.
To avoid shipping the title with the car to our out of state buyers, we mail the title via Priority Mail.
While shipping and transportation costs (if appropriate) are the responsibility of the winning bidder, we can assist with locating a suitable transporter. We regularly ship cars all over the USA/World, and can often times locate very competitive rates for transporting vehicles door to door, to a local terminal, enclosed, open, etc. Please call us for specific information/rates to your location.
We meet some great people and fellow enthusiasts, and only rarely do we have problems with non-paying bidders. Please be certain that you are prepared to buy the car if you bid, or call us at 925-846-1451 before the end of the auction if we can answer any questions. If you have a "sunglass" rating or fewer than 10 feedback ratings on eBay, please call us before you bid so that we can discuss the bidding process, etc. If we do not hear from you, we reserve the right to delete your bid.

Thank You & Happy Bidding
Classic Cars Ltd.

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