FIAT 500L **Subaru Impreza Engined**

JYT 115K – Modification History

The Fiat 500L was purchased in 2012 in poor, but driveable, condition. The MOT was subsequently failed in 2013 due to structural corrosion. The car was transported to Z-Cars in Hull (well renowned for their classic mini conversions amongst other things) for a complete rebuild to include all structural work and an engine conversion to the EJ16 (90 hp at 5,600 rpm) used in the 1993–2006 Subaru Impreza (chosen for its flat four configuration for easy installation without a need to impact on the rear passenger space of the Fiat).

The car was initially stripped down and all structural and cosmetic rust cut out and replaced. The shell was then resprayed in Tour De France Blu paint code (a Ferrari colour). The work during this phase amounted to approximately £5300+VAT. Additional cooling vents were added to the front panel to allow the new front mounted radiator to receive sufficient airflow for this application.

The majority of the external trim and bright work was replaced during the rebuild at further cost, including the addition of modern projector headlamps, clear indicator units, replacement rear light clusters, sunroof cover, bullet-style wing mirrors, period bonnet straps, etc. The car was also de-bumpered during the build purely for cosmetics.

The EA16 engine was mounted to a cradle sub frame which was then bolted up to the original shell, ensuring that engine mounting was suitably robust. Due to the engine being 180deg transposed from its usual front engined / rear wheel drive configuration, the gearbox was stripped and rebuilt with gears cut in the opposite direction. The gearbox internals are bespoke to this build, as is the exhaust fabrication. Gear selection is via a modified classic Mini set up.

The front suspension is an off-the-shelf conversion kit offered for the Fiat 500 by Ricambio and thus allows the fitment of Fiat Cinquecento hubs/uprights and drilled disc brakes. The rear suspension is a bespoke set up based on the Z-Cars bike engined Mini conversions, modified for the application, and fitted with Honda fit disc brakes.

Wheels have been increased to a 13” rim (in order to access modern tyre compounds but mainly to provide brake clearance) and are gold Minilite replica in style, with Michelin Compact tyres.

The car has been completely rewired with a mostly bespoke loom after the conversion.

Interior-wise, the full interior has been retained and the front seats replaced with classic style Sparco “bucket seats” complete with headrests. Inertia reel seatbelts have been fitted in the front and back for safety reasons, and the steering wheel replaced with a more attractive wood rimmed item.

Once the car reached the end of its build it was given a full PDI check in line with VOSA guidelines and an MOT before being returned to me. Although technically MOT exempt, the car has been serviced and MOT’d locally each year for peace of mind.

Since the build was completed, heat management required further modification; this has led to the addition of bonnet vents to extract hot air and aid in under bonnet cooling, plus additional heat shielding around the fuel tank for safety reasons. The standard crank driven water pump and traditional thermostat has been replaced with a full high rated electronic water pump system. Cooling is now optimised.

New chrome bumpers were also reinstated during this period, primarily for cosmetic purposes, and a new ignition barrel with functional steering lock added.

In September, the engine was stripped for a top end refresh following indications of impending head gasket failure.

In 2023 a GPS based digital speedo was installed complete with odometer following a failure of the existing speedo cable and the battery was replaced.

in 2024, the radiator was replaced following a crack being noted on the end cap during the MOT. Invoices now total shy of £57,000 including the purchase of the car for £4000.

A labour of love by the previous owner. Needs to be seen and enjoyed, not using and better off someone benefiting. Thanks for looking and if you want a real head turner that no one will have, this is the car for you. A true one off!