PBWA Kensington & Chelsea

Other people's nice cars in the street - Vignale Gamine

 

Manufacturer: Carrozzeria Alfredo Vignale, Grugliasco, (near Turin) - Italia

Type: (Spyder) Gamine

Engine: 499,5cc twin cylinder air-cooled

Power: 22 bhp / 4.600 rpm

Speed: 97 km/h

Production time:1967 - 1971

Production outlet: about 300

Curb weight: 450 kg

 

Special:

- Alfredo Vignale worked a lot together with Giovanni Michelotti, but occasionally he went his own way and in this case the (Spyder) Gamine ("Tomboy") was a result of Don Alfredo's "extravagances"

- Its design is based on a FIAT 508 Balilla from the '30.

- This two-seater roadster, often called "Vinnie", was based on FIAT 500 Sport parts, designed and built by Vignale.

- It has rear wheel drive, a four-speed manual gearbox and a fuel tank capacity of 22 litres (5.78 gallons).

- The front suspension has a live axle with a single leaf spring, at the back independent wishbones and four wheel drum brakes.

- The "hood" (the engine is mounted in the back) opens to the side.

- The official "FIAT Gamine Register" has only 35 units registered, including 16 UK

- "Noddy's car" actually inspired the animators of that cartoon series.

- A high price tag and uninspiring performances made it a commercial failure.

Done