Modified 1970 Fiat 500L with 740cc Engine at Auction

A 1970 Fiat 500L restomod with a 740cc engine is listed on Bring a Trailer. Explore details of its build, upgrades, and how it compares to the original model.

A freshly rebuilt classic Fiat with just 509 kilometers since completion has appeared on Bring a Trailer, where a modified 1970 Fiat 500L is currently up for auction, powered by a 740cc engine.

This is not a simple restoration. The car was stripped, underwent bodywork, and was repainted before receiving a Fiat 126–based engine enlarged to 740cc, paired with a Dell’Orto carburetor and a custom exhaust system. A synchronized four-speed manual transaxle is fitted, along with a set of mechanical upgrades that include front disc brakes, rack-and-pinion steering, and a lowered suspension. The build was completed in 2024, after which the car was imported from Italy to the United States.

The choice of base model adds another layer of interest. The Fiat 500L, or Lusso, was originally the more refined version of the classic 500, featuring upgraded trim and a more developed interior. In this case, that more premium foundation has been combined with a series of technical modifications, creating a car that balances classic design with a more performance-oriented setup.

The approach reflects a well-established tradition. As early as the 1960s, Abarth offered conversion kits for the Fiat 500 that increased engine displacement, added larger carburetors, and introduced sportier instrumentation. This car follows that philosophy, with Abarth-branded gauges and a significantly enlarged engine that goes beyond the more common Fiat 126-based upgrades.

What stands out is the completeness of the build. Increasing power in a classic Fiat 500 typically requires supporting changes across the drivetrain, braking, and steering systems. Here, those elements are addressed together, suggesting a project aimed not only at visual appeal but also at improved usability.

The car was built through Di Bella Fiats, a workshop focused on restoring and modifying classic Fiat 500 models. Such builds are often aimed at buyers who want the character of the original car with mechanical updates better suited to modern driving conditions, particularly in markets like the United States.

While modified Fiat 500s are not uncommon, the combination of a recent build, low post-restoration mileage, a 500L base, and a 740cc engine makes this example stand out even within the restomod segment. Its final auction result will likely reflect how strong the demand remains for carefully executed reinterpretations of classic city cars.