"Frixos Demetriou was a successful casino owner in Cyprus and the owner of the Olympic Gaming Club in London. While in Milan his flight to Athens was diverted, he spotted an unusual looking car by the airport and on enquiry discovered that it was a Fiat 500 Gamine Vignale. The Gamine was a small two-seater roadster produced by Carozzeria Vignale from 1967 to 1971, based on the Fiat 500 platform using the two-cylinder air-cooled engine from the 500 Sport. Demetriou was looking to diversify his business interests and sensing an opportunity he returned via Turin, securing the rights to sell Vignale products in the UK. He bought 200 cars upfront, paying with cash and committed to buy the next six months production if Vignale would manufacture the car in right hand drive form. The Gamine two-seater was well received, becoming trendy with the Chelsea set, even nightclub owner Peter Stringfellow owned one.
Originally registered in June 1969 this delightful example of these hugely sought after Fiats presents wonderfully following a comprehensive nut and bolt restoration in orange with black trim. The hood and chromework are in excellent order and the car benefits from a new set of tyres. This rare right hand drive example has been restored to a high level and we are told is a joy to drive. This is truly a rare commodity that is both fun and eye catching. Consigned by Dominic Lake.
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