The number of passers-by who stopped to chat about this car as we carried out our photoshoot was frankly incredible. If you’re after a joyful classic that’s seemingly beloved by all, you’re looking at it right here.

 Based on the iconic Fiat 500, the Gamine was a quirky two-seater roadster built by Carozzeria Vignale from 1967 to ’71. Utilising the characterful and entertaining twin-cylinder engine from the 500 Sport, Vignale’s tasteful and elegant styling reinvented the Italian runabout as a playful open tourer.

 What’s particularly significant about the car we have here is that it’s a genuine right-hand-drive example. A previous owner pulled out all the stops in 2015, commissioning a thorough restoration, which is photographically documented in the history file. The body received a quality bare-metal repaint, the chrome trim was replaced, and the interior retrimmed. The engine was rebuilt and the gearbox upgraded to a more user-friendly synchro unit. The car also benefits from the full wet weather gear, making this a charming retro treat that you can actually use all year round.

 

 

 

The Gamine’s restoration has been carried out to a very high standard, and the gleaming red paint is vivid and invigorating. The chrome trim is all present and correct, and in lovely condition; the light lenses and window glass are also good. The 12” steel wheels wear the correct matching hubcaps along with a set of quality Pirelli Cinturato tyres with plenty of tread.

 The cabin is endearingly simple, with tastefully trimmed seats and tidy carpets. The stalks, dial and dash lights all appear to be in proper working order. It’s all dry and tidy inside the front boot, where the tonneau cover can also be found.

 The car benefits from the full suite of wet weather gear too, including a soft-top and side panels. This all lives beneath a cover behind the seats, is simple to raise, affix and lower, and is all in great condition.
 
 

 

As part of the restoration, the 500 Sport-spec air-cooled twin-pot motor was rebuilt, and you can see from the photos how clean and impressively detailed it is. The engine fires up readily, settles into an even idle, and pulls with appropriate keenness through the revs. It’s also important to note that this car has ben treated to an upgraded synchro gearbox, which is much easier to operate and makes urban driving a breeze. The car rides well on its supple suspension, and the steering and brakes are all in good order.
 
 

 

 
What’s perhaps most entertaining about this Gamine is that, with the low-cut shape of the body and the playful buzzing of the twin-cylinder motor, it kinda feels like piloting a speedboat. It really is great fun, which is precisely what this car was built for. It’s a rare little thing too – Vignale only built around 700-800 of these, and the number of pukka right-hand-drive examples is vanishingly small. With its outstanding restoration and eminent usability, this Gamine is a very attractive proposition indeed.
 
BEFORE YOU BUY 

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 

✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions. 

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 

✓ We also  check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and  it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer. 

✓Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. If requested we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com