1968 Fiat Autobianchi 500 'Shell' Furgoncino

Highly desirable Autobianchi Fiat 120 Z Furgoncino 500 commonly known as a 500 Furgo'.

1968 model with the correct suicide doors and is a genuine, LHD, original factory built example

Shell Vintage Classic Oil promotional vehicle. Paraded by John Surtees at the Goodwood Revival

Nicely restored and finished in period-correct Shell Servizio livery. Signed by John Surtees CBE

Some associated John Surtees-signed Shell Memorabilia is included in the lot

Bicycle and motorcycle maker Bianchi was founded in 1855 and by the early 1920s began producing its very own automobiles. Though successful, the brand couldnt compete with the more dynamic Fiat and Lancia and, inevitably in 1955, Bianchi merged with Fiat to keep the marque alive. The first car produced under the company's new name Autobianchi was the compact 'Bianchina'.

The underpinnings were carried over from the dependable Fiat 500, but the Bianchina was equipped with a number of new features and sported a 20-ish horsepower air-cooled two-cylinder mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. The suspension was revised for a lower ride height offering improved handling characteristics and, on a good day, the little rocketship could wind up to 60 mph. The Bianchi lineup came in several variations and included the Berlina (saloon), Cabriolet(roadster), Panoramica (station wagon), and Furgoncino (van).

Here we have a highly desirable Autobianchi Fiat 120 Z Furgoncino 500 or more commonly known, as a 500 Furgo'. This is a 1968 model with the correct suicide doors and is a genuine LHD original factory produced vehicle not a converted Giardiniera! This lovely example is finished in classic 'Shell Servizio' livery. It has been restored and prepared for use as a promotional vehicle for Shell Vintage Classic Oil at motorsports and associated events up and down the country over the years. The Furgo is in excellent shape and we understand, historically accurate. One of its largest audiences recently was at the Goodwood Revival when it was used to transport the late John Surtees CBE round the circuit as part of the parade. He was kind enough to sign the van and indeed signed a quantity of Shell Automobilia at the same time, all of which are part of the sale. If you feel a need to turn heads at next years Revival, save yourself a seven-figure amount and invest in this adorable little 'Furgo'.