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 1979 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
Purchased in southern Italy in 1980
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.

✓ 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 on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ 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..