Nonno’s 1970 Fiat 500 L (Lusso)

Example of a restored Fiat 500L

As Christmas approached, Rossella and I were excited to spend the holiday with her family in Naples, Italy. We arrived in the city a few days before Christmas and were greeted with 60-degree weather and bustling streets. On Christmas Eve, Rossella told me her grandfather was going to drive to meet us at her parents’ house in his beloved 1970 Fiat 500 L. Unlike the modern 500L which is a larger version of the 500, this L stood for Lusso or Luxury in Italian. It was introduced in 1967 and sold for five years as a more richly trimmed version of the 500 F. Mechanically, the two cars were nearly identical but the Lusso model had a new chrome bumper guard, updated Fiat badge, interior enhancements, and new hubcaps.

When he arrived with the car packed full of minestrone, mozzarella, olives, and more we marveled at its vintage charm and compact size. It can be a pain to park in the busy streets of Naples but the car is so small we parked it in the entryway to Rossella’s building.

When it was time for him to go and he pulled out into the bustling city, heads turned and people stopped to stare. Some people even took pictures of the little car. It was clear that the Fiat 500L is a beloved and well-known sight all over Italy. My wife's grandfather beamed with pride as he navigated through the crowded streets, weaving in and out of traffic with ease.

Every time we go back to Napoli and meet Nonno Fiore, a debate is sure to erupt over who will be the lucky grandchild who gets to take care of this piece of automotive history one day. How great would a 53-year-old, single-owner, all-original Fiat look inside CAV? We think it would fit in great!