18th May, 2016 13:15
Donington Park
1969 Fiat 125 S Samantha Coupe by Vignale
Estimated at £15,000 - £18,000
Lot details
Registration No: BLH 95H
Chassis No: 0226401
Mot Expiry: Nov 2016
- Reportedly one of only 27 right hand drive cars made
- Previous owner since 1994
- Seventeen year restoration completed in 2012
It is believed that Carrozzeria Vignale of Turin, Italy, manufactured only 100 Samantha Coupes, of which just 27 were to right-hand drive specification. 27 is a high number considering the total production, but that is apparently down to a large order being placed by a Cypriot casino owner, Cyprus being a right-hand drive market. That makes this example an extremely rare car, one which is described by the vendor as having "very good" bodywork and paintwork. Reportedly acquired by the previous owner in 1994, he soon commenced a restoration that would not be completed until 2012. We are informed that towards the end of the renovation, the then owner decided that what was believed to be the original 1600 engine required rejuvenating, and he fitted a 2000 engine in order to keep the car mobile. The larger engine is still under the bonnet as the owner enjoyed its extra power, and the 1600 engine is sold with the car. This very rare car's restoration quality was complimented by it apparently being runner-up in the 2012 Classic Car of the Year Awards at the NEC Classic Car Show.
Registration No: BLH 95H
Chassis No: 0226401
Mot Expiry: Nov 2016
- Reportedly one of only 27 right hand drive cars made
- Previous owner since 1994
- Seventeen year restoration completed in 2012
It is believed that Carrozzeria Vignale of Turin, Italy, manufactured only 100 Samantha Coupes, of which just 27 were to right-hand drive specification. 27 is a high number considering the total production, but that is apparently down to a large order being placed by a Cypriot casino owner, Cyprus being a right-hand drive market. That makes this example an extremely rare car, one which is described by the vendor as having "very good" bodywork and paintwork. Reportedly acquired by the previous owner in 1994, he soon commenced a restoration that would not be completed until 2012. We are informed that towards the end of the renovation, the then owner decided that what was believed to be the original 1600 engine required rejuvenating, and he fitted a 2000 engine in order to keep the car mobile. The larger engine is still under the bonnet as the owner enjoyed its extra power, and the 1600 engine is sold with the car. This very rare car's restoration quality was complimented by it apparently being runner-up in the 2012 Classic Car of the Year Awards at the NEC Classic Car Show.
Auction: Donington Park, 18th May, 2016
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