Minified style: 1959 FIAT 600 Rendez-Vous by Vignale

This 1959 Fiat 600 Berlinetta Rendez-Vous by Vignale is a rare and highly desirable piece of Italian automotive history. Designed by the renowned Giovanni Michelotti, this elegant coupe made its debut at the 1955 Concorso d’Eleganza in Campione d’Italia, where it won the prestigious 1st Prize Overall.

The example offered here, chassis number 507031, was built in late 1958 and first registered in La Spezia, Italy, on April 1, 1959, retaining its original license plate. It has a well-documented history, having been purchased in 1988 from the heir of the original owner. A full restoration was undertaken in 1992 to return the car to its original color scheme. In 2006, the engine was expertly rebuilt by Fiat 600 and Abarth specialist Samuele “Veloce” Baggioli (passed away in 2016), using authentic Nardi performance components. The upgraded specifications include a counterweighted crankshaft with a 65 mm stroke, special pistons with a 60.4 mm bore, and a reworked cylinder head. The result is a displacement of 745 cc and a peak power output of 45 hp at 5,500 rpm. Additional enhancements include an aluminum valve cover, a Solex 32 PBIC carburetor, and a larger oil sump for improved performance and reliability.

This very car has also been showcased at the 1997 “Automobiles Classiques à Bagatelle” Concours d’Elegance in Paris. A true collector’s piece, this Vignale Berlinetta offers a blend of style, exclusivity, and carefully executed mechanical upgrades, making it a perfect addition to any discerning enthusiast’s garage. Find it for sale at €55,000 (today $58,000) here in Milano, Italy.

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.