Description
Here is the almost unheard of opportunity to acquire something scandalously unique and fantastic fun to drive. It turns heads like no other car as it looks like no other car.
I give you the Simpatico Barchetta 595.
You have more chance seeing Elvis in your local Iceland that this thing zooming down the road!
The Barchetta was born from the concept by the renowned stylist Peter Stevens, famous for being the designer behind the McLaren F1.
Inspired by the design of the 500 and using elements and robust mechanicals from the Fiat 126, Peter wanted to make a Speedster style machine based on the endearing classic Fiat Cinquecento styling. The body and interior is beautifully fashioned from composite material of Kevlar/ glass-fibre. I am amazed the quality is executed so well for such a low production machine. The car weighs only 460 kg and turns on a sixpence. The designer Stevens decided to launch production of these stunning machines in the early 90's with Simpatico Design Ltd. They were obscenely expensive toys when new being hand built jewels and as such only nine were constructed.
This car on offer, made on the underbody of a 1982 Fiat 126, was sold in the UK in 1993. In 1996 it joined the Paris Catimini collection (FYI - Catimini are a French hi-end children's clothes chain) where it sat for nearly quarter of a century. As you can see the car is in almost perfect original condition and has covered just 910 miles in total. Yes only 910 miles! The car was on display in Catiminis for all to see in Paris and is now fully "on the key" running like a Swiss watch. It has been completely gone through after its long slumber in the museum. It is clear that it was Mr Catimini's favourite obscure Fiat as it is the sole car that features on the front page of his museum pamphlet. Truly the ultimate accolade....
Featuring a gorgeous Nardi steering wheel and matching wooden knob, sitting squat on its equally gorgeous OZ 5 spoke rims with low-profile tyres, with its custom-made fibreglass bucket seats (I have been reliably informed these were based on the Mclaren F1!) and a custom tonneau cover, nothing is missing from this miniature pocket rocket. The 650 engine means it's no slouch and the car has a full synchro box making it much easier to drive than its original 500 relative. Being much lighter than the 126 the brakes are superb too. As can be seen the finish of the original bodywork is nothing short of stunning. These were hand built bespoke machines for very wealthy customers and it shows by the exquisite execution of build.
This car is in effect a modern rebirth of the delightful 50's Fiat Jolly re-bodied by Ghia. However they can be considered somewhat common in comparison to the Barchetta. To buy a genuine Jolly today will cost you nigh on £100k This car is simply PERFECT for Monte Carlo being the ultimate big boys toy! Dare to be different! I concede it can in no way be considered cheap for what it is however the last one I can find for sale on the open market was back in 2004. From what I can deduce most are now overseas with perhaps one or two still in the UK.
This is a true collectors car which can be seen is in excellent museum show quality condition and comes with a UK V5 in my name together with commensurate material/ paperwork/ period road tests/ unique leather Barchetta key ring etc.
Car can be viewed in London W11 anytime.
