>> Table of contents

30 Years of Axel Gerstl (1988-2018)

It was in 1988 – just 13 years after the production of the Fiat 500 had been discontinued – when Axel Gerstl founded his company in a suburb of Munich, about 600 kilometres away from the Fiat headquarters in Turin. At that time, the Fiat 500 was a so-called “modern classic”, and it was hard to get spares for it. Many owners of a Fiat 500 had to resort to odds from old stock or to used parts in order to keep their “little Italian” up and running. Another option was to use modified parts originally designed for its successor model, the Fiat 126, and muddle through anyhow.
30 Jahre Axel Gerstl
At that time, Axel transformed his small garage into a spares warehouse that, in the beginning, had only little room and accommodated mainly used parts.
30 Jahre Axel Gerstl
But the spares warehouse grew constantly and one day, the garage became too small. In 1994, Axel had to rent a former farm in Biburg, some kilometres away. This is where the company is still based today.
30 Jahre Axel Gerstl
Since then, things have changed considerably: The former one-man show has become an enterprise with more than 20 employees. In the beginning, the focus was on sending out catalogues and selling by phone, fax, and order forms, but as early as in 2000, Axel realised the potential of the Internet and established a successful, well-structured online shop. More storage space and offices were added to the spares warehouse in the barn of the former farm, so that it now has a total surface of more than 1,000 sqm.
30 Jahre Axel Gerstl

... and that is what our customers have to say:

„Even if you slip and slide, Gerstl is always by your side! Luckily enough, I am not one of the customers who constantly need spare parts, but whenever I ordered something, it had an excellent quality and arrived on time! I also do appreciate that orders for “bits and pieces” are handled as carefully as major purchases! Keep it up so that me and “BRUTUS” are going to have fun for many more years!“

- Jürgen Deis

30 Years of Axel Gerstl


"I bought a 1967 model of the FIAT 500 back in January 2018 , that’s my first 500 ever. When I was looking for parts, I searched the internet and looked at different websites. I can say today that I have purchased all my parts from Axel Gerstl. All I can say is excellent website, brilliant service, fast responses, very fast deliveries, I’m a happy customer!"

- Thierry Morel

30 Years of Axel Gerstl


"Hello Axel, I just can’t believe it! Are you really sure? 30 years? It’s crazy how time goes by. I will never forget how we got to know each other. I still see you in your garage, tinkering with rusty parts of stripped 500 models – and me, standing there, dreaming my vision of a Munich Fiat 500 club with meetings, rides and many like-minded enthusiasts. Soon, the garage became too small, but the farmstead in Biburg was (still) too big. I experienced a similar situation. To be honest, restoring little Fiats in an underground garage was not that funny, especially as the price for this was that I had to wash the cars of 20 of my neighbours – several times! And when I finally wanted to build a paint booth, they kicked me out. Weird.

There was one solution to two similar problems: something that you’d call synergy! The salesroom of today was my “workshop” 30 years ago. It was far away from Schwabing, but it was affordable and directly located next to the growing parts warehouse. This was awesome! You can still see the spray mist today :-)

Eventually, the warehouse became bigger and bigger, and I felt less and less inclined to drive 35 kms out into nowhere to restore my beloved Fiats. So – as if on cue – we had the same idea at the same time, i.e. to separate our two projects physically. To this day, we are still great friends, keep well in touch – although we don’t meet very often – and are happy if the other one is well.

My dear Axel! All my best wishes for your and your life’s work. May your house be safe from fire and trouble and may all your wishes come true. I’ll drink to the good old days and cherish our great memories. Have a great time, hope to see you again soon. Your old friend – many greetings from the Lake Balaton"

- Roland Schlitt

30 Years of Axel Gerstl 30 Years of Axel Gerstl


"Hello dear Axel Gerstl team, I would like to congratulate you and express my thanks. Over the past years, I restored a Fiat 500 R and a 1962 Giardiniera model. During this time, I obtained nearly all spare parts from Axel Gerstl. I appreciate the short delivery times and the ever-flawless quality of products and handling. Each time I had a technical question, I got help by e-mail or on the phone. I am really grateful for your assistance! I still enjoy browsing your website and keeping myself updated about new features. Thanks to your comprehensive parts catalogue, I was able to improve or modify some things here and there. Thank you very much for your great service (which has become a rarity nowadays). Keep it up!"

- Detlef Weiss

30 Years of Axel Gerstl 30 Years of Axel Gerstl


"Hello, I love this car.  After 10 years of ownership, nothing comes close in making people smile. Here it is at Goodwood Revival last year. Thanks, Ben"

- Ben Cottam

30 Years of Axel Gerstl 30 Years of Axel Gerstl


"For me, Fiat 500 and Axel Gerstl have in fact been closely linked to each other for 30 years. While we never had any personal contact, the adverts in the Oldtimer Markt and Praxis magazines have always reminded me of the company. The desire to buy an old Fiat 500 had been with me all through these decades. Last autumn, at last, my dream came true. I found a suitable “relict” and brought it back to life over the winter season. Ever since, the Axel Gerstl team reliably supplied me with the spare parts I needed. The supply has been flawless all the time, the deliveries are fast and the quality of the spare parts is outstanding. I’m glad you are there!"

- Frank Tiemann

30 Years of Axel Gerstl


"Hello everybody! Axel Gerstl has the best website for everybody who wants to have a good time when restoring a Fiat 500."

- Eric Piot

30 Years of Axel Gerstl


"Hello everybody! I bought my Fiat 500 two years ago, and the desire to restore it and make it as new has taken hold of me. I got virtually all my spare parts from Axel Gerstl and I can’t wait to go for the first ride!"

- Gerard Labrune

30 Years of Axel Gerstl


"Hello dear Gerstl family! I bought my current Fiat 500 five years ago. I had owned one before, but sold it later. I have always ordered any spare parts or accessories from Axel Gerstl because the range of products is very large and you get everything you need – down to the last screw. I have always been very happy with the Axel Gerstl service and absolutely can recommend it. Keep it up for the next 30 years!"

- Jürgen Feustel

30 Years of Axel Gerstl


"A big hello to the Axel Gerstl team! In the seventies, I worked as a Fiat car mechanic. Even back then, my desire was to own a “Bambino.” But the years passed by. I had become a master mechanic in the meantime, and all of a sudden, I was 63 years old and retired. Since with my retirement, I have more time to spend, and so I made my dream come true by getting me a Fiat 500 in Italy. I lovingly stripped it down part by part, removed all the rust, overhauled all the aggregates and fitted new ones, where necessary. When I think of Axel Gerstl, I always appreciate a very good cooperation including valuable hints and advice that I got over the years. My sincere thanks go to all members of the Axel Gerstl team. Best regards from Blaubeuren (Germany)!"

- Peter Schmid

30 Years of Axel Gerstl 30 Years of Axel Gerstl

30 Years of Axel Gerstl


"Hello everyone, I would like to congratulate you very sincerely on your 30th company anniversary. You are a cool and very friendly team. It is always great fun to come and see you when collecting the spare parts for my Giardiniera. Keep on going like this, I wish you every success!"

- Klaus Scheuermann

30 Years of Axel Gerstl


"What are my feelings about 30 years of Axel Gerstl? I bought my Fiat 500 almost precisely 3 years ago. Since then, Axel Gerstl has been my trusted dealer I get all my parts from. I'm very happy with them and always delight in the good condition of my car – thanks to the parts from Axel Gerstl. I’m looking forward to the next 30 years!"

- Christian Jakob

30 Years of Axel Gerstl


"For me, Axel Gerstl is synonymous with the reconstruction of my Fiat 500 L between 2010 and 2015. If you came to stand in front of the car and shouted “get out, Gerstl”, there would be a trail of dust and nothing would remain but a bare sheet-metal skin. Thank you for the fast deliveries at all times and your precious expert advice!"

- Erwin Kruse

30 Years of Axel Gerstl


"I must admit that I only bought my Fiat 500 in August last year, but I already spotted a lot of interesting spare parts and accessories on your website. You have the best product line and the fairest prices of all shops I know. Keep going! I’m looking forward to the next 30 years!"

- Karin Taube

30 Years of Axel Gerstl


"I’ve been a customer for many years and can say that I really feel at ease here: fair prices, a comprehensive selection of available spare parts, fast shipping, a friendly atmosphere and expert advice. What more to say...keep it up!"

- Sebastiano Vinciguerra

30 Years of Axel Gerstl 30 Years of Axel Gerstl


"Thank you so much for the quick spare part deliveries! Keeping with the slogan: ... simply 5 years of a cool hobby...!"

- Michael Kuhoff

30 Years of Axel Gerstl 30 Years of Axel Gerstl


"It was only last year in autumn that I bought my Fiat 500 (1974 model). I was especially thrilled when virtually every owner of a Fiat 500 I knew immediately praised Axel Gerstl as the absolute expert centre. When ordering my “initial equipment”, I soon realized why this is so. Everyone was extremely friendly, I got expert advice and all parts were delivered promptly. As soon as the streets are clear of snow and salt again, I will come out to your place and personally congratulate you on your 30th anniversary."

- Wolfgang Ausserbauer

30 Years of Axel Gerstl


"Well done Axel! Because of you I give re-birth to my 500L 12 years ago and keep goin, so You!!! All the Best!"

- Christopher Athanasiou


"Always a pleasure reading your emails thanks for taking the time to keep us up to date...all the best for the next 30 years my friend CIAO4NOW !!!"

- Joseph Littlerock