Description
To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Paris event, 13 February 2021. Estimate:€80, 000 - €120, 000 Limited-production, coachbuilt Fiat 600Thought to be one of less than 20 examples producedIncludes a FIVA identity card and ASI certificate of identityJust 460 km driven since full restoration While Fiat’s 600 was intended to be an automobile for the masses and sold in great number within its native Italy, it was only natural that an Italian coachbuilder try their hand at designing coachwork on a Fiat 600 of their own. Dubbed the ‘Rendez Vous’, Vignale produced a small series of these, thought to be around 20 examples, from 1955 through 1959. Drawing inspiration from their design of Lancia’s Aurelia B20 and B52 platforms, similarities can also be seen in the design of Vignale-bodied Fiat 8Vs, which were also designed by Giovanni Michelotti. These charming and diminutive coupes were aimed at their traditional well-heeled clientle, who might be looking for a car with a Fiat 600 sized footprint, albeit one a bit more distinctive. Research carried out on the Rendez Vous indicates that roughly 10-20 exampled were produced. This particular example is accompanied by a FIVA identity card issued in 2019, as well as certificate of identity from the ASI and the associated gold plaque. Acquired by the consignor roughly eight years ago from another collector in Italy, three years were spent restoring the car to its former glory. Particular attention was placed on perfecting he bodywork, interior, and chrome, while the engine was rebuilt. During the restoration, the chassis number could be found stamped on several of the car’s components, including its bumpers and even the door locks, illustrating the car’s hand-built construction and overall originality. Its two-tone blue paintwork beautifully highlights its characteristic design features, and the colour theme is carried through to the interior. The car has been driven roughly 460 km since the completion of its restoration, and it has been shown on a handful of occasions in its native Italy. It was shown at the Salone del Mobile in Milan and then the Salvarola Terme Competition in March of 2018. There, it was awarded first in class honors, as well as a prize for best interior. The Rendez Vous participated in the Trofeo Milano in October 2018 and was exhibited inside the Castello Sforzesco. After its restoration, the car was featured in several magazines, including Ruoteclassiche and OldCar24 magazine. Upon inspection, the car is said to be in fine running condition. A seldom-seem example of Italian coachbuilding on one of Fiat’s most beloved and popular platforms, this 600 Rendez Vous would be a charming addition to any collection of Italian etceterini. To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys. com/ en/ auctions/ pa21.
