12/09/2014 16:18
An incredibly rare car based on the iconic Fiat 500 is going under the hammer this month - a 1960 Steyr Puch 500.
One of only 33 right-hand drive models produced, this example is believed to be one of only two cars remaining and its value is estimated at between £15,000 and £18,000. The only other right-hand drive model resides in the Steyr Puch museum in Graz, Austria, where the cars were built.
The company resumed car production after World War Two and to avoid the high costs of developing a totally new model an agreement was reached with Fiat. Steyr Puch arranged to produce a car based on the Italian 500 model, with the engine cover, roof, engine, transmission and carriage produced in-house.
The Puch 500 will go under the hammer at Silverstone Auctions and managing director Nick Whale commented on the sale: "We've sold our fair share of rare classics in the past and this lovely little car is a fine addition to that list. With the other surviving car housed in a museum this is likely the only opportunity to acquire one of these special cars."
'AEM 655' was first registered in the UK on October 21st 1960 to Ryders of Liverpool as the original UK demonstration car. Incredibly, the original delivery note from the factory to Ryders in 1960 is included with this lot.
Purchased by the current vendor in 2013, the previous owner from the Republic of Ireland had kept it in storage for of 28 years. Now this wonderful little car has made it back to the road, with fresh interior trim, new tyres and very few other minor mechanical touches and is now offered for auction.
Nick added: "This stunningly unique 500 is an intricate piece of the Steyr/Fiat family and is a fantastic opportunity for both Steyr and Fiat collectors internationally to acquire a special model."
by: Danielle Bagnall