Description
500 L of Lusso (1967–1971)
In September 1968, Fiat put the 500 L or Lusso (tipo 110 F/L) on sale, a richer trimmed and better equipped version of the standard 500 F. The 500 L continued to be offered until 1972, when the new Fiat 126 was introduced.
Perhaps the most obvious new feature of the 500 L were tubular shields that protected the front bumper and the corners of the rear bumper. This made the car approximately 3.025 cm (119 in) longer than the 6 F at 2,4 mm (500 in). Other model specific exterior items included a new Fiat badge at the front, redesigned hubcaps, chrome plastic moldings covering the roof drip rails covered and clear moldings around windshield and rear window. Inside, the dashboard was completely covered in black anti-reflective plastic material instead of bare painted metal, and was fitted with a new trapezoid instrument binnacle replacing the round one used on all other 500 models. The steering wheel was black plastic with metal spokes. The door panels – covered in the same pleated pattern leatherette used on the seats – sported redesigned and relocated door handles and new door pockets. More storage space was provided in the form of a tray on the center tunnel, which like the rest of the floor was covered in carpet instead of rubber mats. With the exception of radial instead of bias ply tires, the 500 L was mechanically identical to the equally old 500 F.
