The Puch 500 was a small car produced by Steyr-Daimler-Puch in the city of Graz, Austria. In 1954 the company decided to resume car production which had been halted during World War Two. To avoid the high costs of developing a totally new design an agreement was reached with Fiat to produce a car based on its 500 model, with the engine cover, roof, engine, transmission and carriage produced in-house.
One of only 33 right-hand drive models produced, this example is believed to be one of only two cars to remain, with the other surviving car residing in the Steyr Puch museum in Austria. Commenting on the sale of the car, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, Nick Whale, said: “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. 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.”
This was purchased by the current vendor in 2013, the previous owner from the Republic of Ireland had kept it in storage for of 28 years. After years in storage this wonderful little car has been brought back to the road, with fresh interior trim, new tyres and very few other minor mechanical touches and is now offered for auction. ‘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.
Source : CarDekho
