Description
Description:
An incredibly rare opportunity to acquire a highly original, right-hand-drive 1971 Fiat Vignale Gamine showing just 13, 700 miles on the odometer. Built on the classic Fiat 500 chassis with beautiful open-top boutique coachwork by Carrozzeria Vignale, this vehicle is a true time capsule that has never undergone a sanitizing, modern restoration.
Legally, this is a highly desirable two-owner car. It was purchased brand new in 1971 by its original owner, remaining dedicatedly in his care for over 50 years until passing to me in December 2024.
Mechanical & Running Condition:
The car is in good working order, starts easily, and is huge fun to drive. The original, notoriously underpowered 500cc engine was treated to a period upgrade to a 650cc unit, massively improving its usability. Since taking ownership, I have had the car regularly maintained and professionally serviced to ensure it remains completely roadworthy and turn-key. It is sold with a valid MOT. While the historic service history file is sparse, the mechanical tightness and incredibly low mileage speak for themselves.
Cosmetic Condition & Patina:
This Gamine is an honest, untouched survivor. It wears its history proudly, retaining its original character without ever being stripped down or over-restored. In the spirit of total transparency, the bodywork and trim bear a few minor scrapes and superficial areas that would benefit from some light cosmetic TLC. It presents beautifully as a charming, time-weathered classic, but offers the perfect canvas if the next owner wishes to take its cosmetic condition to the next level.
An exceptionally rare, fun, and usable Italian microcar with an unbroken ownership chain. Serious inquiries only. While this vehicle is an exceptionally rare survivor on its own merits, its defining value lies in its remarkable, fully documented provenance. This car is a direct window into the heart of the 1970s London avant-garde, art, and literary scenes.
The car was purchased brand new in 1971 by its original owner, the late George Lorrain Lawson—a descendant of the historic Lawson Johnston family (the creators of Bovril) and a legendary director/ senior specialist at the renowned rare manuscript firm Bertram Rota. George was famously responsible for unearthing museum-grade literary discoveries, including a legendary collection of James Joyce first editions featuring the author’s personal working notes.
George believed this car was meant to be thoroughly lived in, famously driving it down to the South of France on a spirited road trip with his close friend, the legendary dancer and actor Wayne Sleep. The car was a core fixture in their lives during the exact years David Hockney was painting his famous Tate Britain double portrait of the pair ("George Lawson and Wayne Sleep", 1972–1975). Following George’s passing, the vehicle was officially bequeathed to me in his will in late 2024, ensuring a completely unbroken, legally documented chain of custody from 1971 to today.
Unlike standard claims of historical provenance, this vehicle is accompanied by a comprehensive, undeniable physical archive that will accompany the car.
Original 1971 Delivery Ephemera: The original letter from the General Manager of Demetriou & Sons (the flamboyant London casino owner Felix Demetriou's firm, who imported these vehicles) informing George his title was ready, alongside the original leather key fob printed with Felix Demetriou's name.
Period Photographic Proof: Vintage photographs of George Lawson and Wayne Sleep inside this exact vehicle.
Contemporary Media: A prominent 1980s magazine feature showing Wayne Sleep posing with George's Gamine (alongside his Bentley), discussing the car in detail.
Art History Links: photographs of George and Wayne at the press opening of the iconic Hockney portrait at the Tate Gallery.
Legal Continuity: Copies of the official codicil/ will records confirming George's direct bequest of the car to me.
This is not just a classic car; it is a highly documented, untouched cultural time capsule spanning definitive eras of British art, theatre, and literary history.
