Highlights
- Present keeper for 46 years
- Low mileage of 36,376 miles
- Older restoration in De Tomaso red with white leather interior
- Only 950 miles added since importation in 1980
- Recent brake system overhaul and new fuel pump
- One of only 800 coachbuilt on Fiat 500 running gear
The Appeal
The Gamine was Vignale’s inspired response to the Jolly. This Fiat 500-based summer car took things a step further - rather than simply chopping off the roof, the Gamine was a fully evolved, coachbuilt two-seater that evoked a classic post-war sports car style.
It was expensive and the market was somewhat niche. Just 800 were built, which makes these high-quality two-seaters rare and arguably more historically significant than a converted 500 Jolly.
This car, naturally, spent its life on the beautiful Amalfi coast before being acquired by the current seller in 1980 and driven back to the UK (wow…). It was registered here in 1984 and has remained with the same keeper ever since. The mileage on purchase was 57,000 kms (35,509 miles) and he has only added 950 miles since. Throughout its UK life, it has always been garaged.
The car was comprehensively restored in 1986 and finished in De Tomaso red, which is appropriate as De Tomaso bought Vignale in the late 60s. The paintwork is matched to a fully retrimmed white leather interior with red contrast piping. There is a useful roof with side screens to match the interior.
The car remains in very good order. It runs well too, with recent work including an overhaul of the brake system and a new fuel pump. Roll up in this and you will attract flocks of people, likely all smiling. There’ll be Noddy jokes for sure, but that feels all part of this cheeky little classic’s appeal.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 21st June 1969
- Original Italian registration documents as shown
- Used on Amalfi Coast from first registration to vendor’s purchase
- Driven back from Amalfi to UK by seller
- Imported to the UK in September 1980
- First UK registered August 1984
- Present keeper for 46 years
- Mileage on importation reported to be 57,000 kms (35,509 miles)
- Only 950 miles added since importation
- Now showing 58,542 kms (36,376 miles)
- Recent comprehensive brake system renewal
- Fuel pump recently replaced
- Bare metal respray and interior retrim in 1986
- Always garaged by current keeper
- V5C showing car is registered as a Historic Vehicle so MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
- UK importation documents
- Old MOTs and invoices as shown
- Old photographs of car
- Italian ACI certification as shown
- Italian number plates
- Original Gamine sales brochures for UK import cars
- Gamine articles and other literature as shown
The Condition
- Full bare metal respray in De Tomaso red in 1986
- Paintwork continues to present very well due to limited use and garaging
- The paintwork shows no obvious marks or chips but buyers should be realistic due to age of restoration
- Bodywork presents well with vendor reporting that panels and floors are original
- There are some localised areas of bubbling to note on some panels as shown
- These include boot lid, front wing and scuttle but do not appear substantial
- There is a dent to note on engine cover
- Underside presents well with no structural issues reported by seller
- Roof added during restoration in off-white colour with matching side screens
- Roof and Perspex panels appear to be in good condition and fit correctly
- Car is fitted with a chrome rear roll hoop as shown
- Exterior chromework appears to be original and is presentable but with some tarnish
- Exterior fittings including grille, badging, lights and glass all generally well kept
- Car sits on steel wheels in good order with chrome hub caps and there is a matching spare
- Seats retrimmed in white leather with red piping in 1986 and show barely any wear since
- Original Fiat rubber mats overlaid with new carpets
- Fitted with original three spoke small diameter leather-rimmed wheel with Fiat centre boss
- Electric screen washers
- Four Pioneer speakers fitted
The Mechanics
- Fiat mechanicals with 499cc 2cyl air cooled engine
- 4spd manual gearbox with synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd and 4th
- Vendor tells us that engine has been serviced regularly and runs faultlessly
- Engine retains its original patina according to seller
- Brake system recently overhauled including pipes, hoses, wheel cylinders, master cylinder, brake switch, and shoes
- New fuel pump installed
- No reported running or driving issues
- Vendor confirms the displayed low mileage is correct
- We are told the car has only covered 950 miles since restoration
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 is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own 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 fee. 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.
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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..
