Estimated Price: £22,000 - £26,000

Following the Second World War, Austrian manufacturer Steyr-Daimler-Puch sought to re-establish itself in the motor industry with a practical small car. Rather than simply building Fiat's popular Nuova 500 under licence, Steyr-Puch retained the elegant Italian body shell while engineering an entirely different mechanical package beneath it. The result was a far more sophisticated motorcar, powered by a smooth-running air-cooled flat-twin 'boxer' engine featuring hemispherical combustion chambers, a nitrided three-bearing crankshaft, bespoke transmission and rear suspension, matched with substantially larger aluminium brake drums. The combination offered noticeably improved refinement, durability and performance over its Italian counterpart, making the little Puch especially popular throughout Europe's mountainous regions.

Introduced in 1962, the 500 D retained the charming early features that enthusiasts continue to value today, including the rear-hinged 'suicide' doors and full-length folding fabric roof, while later factory development saw a capacity increase to 643cc and eventually 650cc in the sporting T and TR models. These higher-performance variants enjoyed considerable success in competition, culminating in the 650 TR II helping secure the 1966 European Rally Championship, firmly establishing the Steyr-Puch as far more than simply an alternative Fiat 500.

Offered here is a delightful 1962 Steyr-Puch 500 D that successfully combines the best characteristics of both early and later production. Manufactured on 23rd March 1962 and first registered in Austria the following month, it retains the desirable early body style with its 'suicide' doors and long folding roof, while now benefiting from a professionally rebuilt 650cc engine, understood to have been developed to TR specification, producing approximately 41bhp. Coupled with the four-speed synchromesh gearbox, the additional performance transforms the driving experience whilst remaining entirely in keeping with the character of the car.

It's documented that in 2015 the car was acquired by renowned Steyr-Puch restoration specialists, Legend Car of Brescia, who carried out an extensive restoration. The body was rebuilt with new floors, sills and front panel before being professionally refinished, while the interior was completely retrimmed and a new full-length folding roof installed. Mechanically, the engine was rebuilt and upgraded, with the remaining running gear carefully restored to complement the enhanced performance.

Imported to the UK in 2016, the Steyr-Puch has remained in enthusiast ownership, continuing to benefit from careful maintenance through specialist workshops. The history file includes its original owner's handbook recording ownership from 1962, spare keys, restoration photographs, import and shipping documents together with its current UK V5C registration document.

In summary, this represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most interesting and technically advanced microcars of its era. Beautifully restored, thoughtfully uprated, it offers all the charm of an early Fiat 500 but with the engineering sophistication, rarity and competition pedigree that makes the Steyr-Puch such a favourite among knowledgeable enthusiasts.