Vignale Gamine

Vignale Gamine
Overview
ManufacturerVignale
Also calledFiat 500 Gamine Vignale
Production1967–1970
700-800 built (estimate)
DesignerAlfredo Vignale
Body and chassis
LayoutRear-engine, rear-wheel-drive
RelatedFiat 500
Powertrain
Engine499.5 cc Fiat 2-cylinder
Transmission4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase1,840 mm (72 in)
Length3,020 mm (119 in)
Width1,300 mm (51 in)
Height1,190 mm (47 in)
Curb weight450 kg (990 lb)

The Vignale Gamine is a small rear-engined car produced by Carrozzeria Vignale from 1967 until 1970, based on the Fiat 500, also known as Nuova 500. Unlike the 500, however, the Gamine had an open-top Roadster structure and only two seats. Styling was by Alfredo Vignale. The Gamine is sometimes related in design to the Fiat 508 Balilla. A hard-top was offered at an extra cost, and is considered these days to be quite rare.

It was powered by a 2-cylinder, air-cooled engine of 499.5 cc from the Fiat 500 sport, the sporty version of the 500, and an engine later to be offered on the 500F. There was only one engine version producing 21.5 PS (15.8 kW; 21.2 bhp). According to official data, the car had a top speed of 97 km/h (60 mph).

The Gamine never sold very well. In fact, the slow sales drove Carrozzeria Vignale out of business, forcing Alfredo Vignale to sell his production line[citation needed] to De Tomaso, which manufactured the Pantera sports car there.