Fantasy Junction

Description

1968 Moretti 500

VIN – 1902262
Engine No. – 126A 000 9817008
Exterior Color – Red
Interior Color – Black
Engine – 594cc 2-Cylinder Air Cooled Twin
Transmission – 4-speed manual
Current Kilometers – 18,590 kms

General Overview

Originally founded as a motorcycle company, Moretti began making cars of their own in the early 1950s. At the close of that decade, they had shifted to using Fiat components and platforms for their cars. Though several Italian design houses were consulted on the body work, eventually Moretti designed their cars inhouse. Each Moretti 500 was hand built and sent to hopeful dealerships in an effort to stimulate sales. Approximately 50 were built, however, contemporary citations put that number closer to 32 units, very few of which are known to exist today.

History and Build Details

Receipts on file with the car date back to 2013 when the car was under current ownership and serviced by Moorespeed, Austin, TX, then showing 18,277 kms. Service items of note in 2013 include replacing and repacking wheel bearings, new brake shoes and rear drums installed, a new front disc brake kit, new brake lines, testing all lights, new rear axle dampers, state inspection, new suspension bushings, and other detail items. In 2015, an annual inspection was performed, carb fuel plug repaired, valve cover gasket, and a new set of Yokohama 165/55 x 12 tires installed (two tubes installed). In 2017, valve clearance adjusted, carburetor isolator block replaced, an annual state inspection performed. In 2018, a pair of leather safety straps were installed on the rear engine lid, front seat belts installed, an improved carburetor linkage installed, new choke starter lever assembly, a new choke cable installed, valves adjusted, carb tuned, timing set, and an annual safety inspection was performed.

In September 2021, the carburetor was overhauled, new fuel filter, new spark plugs, new ignition cap, rotor, set gap, dwell, rebuild distributor, and complete annual state inspection.

Condition Overview

Today this Moretti is ready to enjoy exhibiting some aging overall to the exterior paint finishes, interior, and engine compartment. The finishes overall are pleasant and suitable for cruise-ins and local gatherings, best described as Driver level condition overall. Driving manners are in keeping with smaller capacity Italian jewels of this era with some improvement in horsepower due to the larger displacement 594 cc engine.

The car starts and runs well, and mechanical systems currently operate as expected. Handmade and rare in number, it’s rewarding to see a complete and running example that has benefited from substantial mechanical services over the past three years. The underside of the car is in very good condition showing no signs of structural damage though displaying typical finishes one might find from a car that has not been comprehensively restored.

Please note that the clean Texas title indicates Fiat as the Make of Vehicle.

Items Included with the Car

This Moretti is accompanied by three spare Lucas replacement light bulbs, tool kit, jack, and copies of service records under current ownership since 2013.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608