Cross-Country with 21.5 HP and No Roof

Owner and photographer: Roy Zukerman

Year, Make, and Model: 1969 Fiat 500 Vignale Gamine

Location: near Tel Aviv, Israel

Mr. Roy Zukerman restored this little 21.5 hp Vignale Gamine he’s owned for over ten years, then criss-crossed the country with it. It also has no air-conditioning or radio or roof. Fortunately however, that country is Israel, which means that you can cross it in a matter of mere hours (it’s roughly equal in size to New Jersey). He spent nearly two years restoring it himself, and undertook the journey to celebrate the car’s fortieth birthday. Since then however, he’s covered many more thousands of miles with the car.

The car is based on the Fiat 500 and maintains its drivetrain. But while there are countless Cinquecentos available, there were only about 300 Gamines built by Carrozzeria Vignale between 1967 and 1971. And Roy is absolutely in love with Sr. Alfredo Vignale’s design, “It’s small, curvy and incredibly cute, and though it’s slow it’s very nimble and fun to drive. Also I really like the way it makes me—and anyone who comes across it—smile.”

Roy was initially looking for a classic Fiat 500, which are his main interest, but his friend spotted the Vignale, told him about it, and upon seeing it, Roy fell in love instantly. And even though he’s an automotive journalist and gets to drive all sorts of interesting and different cars, the adorable Gamine remains his favorite. To read more about Roy and “Vinnie,” click here.

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