Pristine 1972 Fiat 500 owned by F1 star Lando Norris & dubbed ‘the perfect little run around’ hits auction for £28,000
FORMULA One's Lando Norris is selling off his pristine 1972 Fiat 500 Jolly, which he dubbed the "perfect little run-around", for just £28,000.
The McLaren driver bought the little motor as his first car with his own money - but has now decided it's time to part ways with it.
Norris, who claimed second place in the US GP over the weekend after Lewis Hamilton's shock disqualification, is auctioning the unusual hatchback off through Car and Classic.
He has been spotted regularly pottering around Monte Carlo, where he is based, in the classic model.
In May, he was snapped enjoying a drive with Portuguese actress Magui Corceiro, the girlfriend of Chelsea loanee Joao Felix.
Norris, 23, who is single after splitting from his model ex Luisinha Oliveria in 2022, slapped down dating rumours, saying the pair were "friends" and that he had "nothing to hide".
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McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri has also been seen behind the wheel on occasion.
And it's a good thing that the French Riviera is renowned for its sunshine, as the modified Fiat 500 Jolly has no fixed roof.
There is a metal frame to support a canopy in case of wet weather but the adorable Italian motor is definitely more suited to open-top cruising.
The seats have also been replaced with two wicker chairs in front with a wicker bench behind.
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There are no seatbelts, which would need to be fitted to drive in the UK.
It is decked out in a light-blue "gelato" paint job with a warm caramel-coloured interior.
The dashboard is extremely minimalist, with only a speedometer, rear-view mirror (located on the dash itself), and radio.
There is a small cubby hole just under the dash and a thin wooden box on the back to store the canopy.
However, there is no boot as the tiny 499cc engine is mounted at the rear.
It's certainly a far cry from Norris' other car, a 1,000-horsepower Mercedes AMG V6 hybrid.
Ownership documents include his original purchase invoice as well as service history.
The Jolly's status as a "historic" car exempts it from road tax, MOT requirements, and the ULEZ charge.
Car and Classic's auction will run from October 26 to 31 and is expected to see the car sell for between £26,000 and £33,000.
The sale comes as Norris is enjoying a resurgence in form in the World Championship stakes.
He has appeared on the podium in his past two races, taking his tally for the season to six, and sits sixth in the championship table.
Dale Vinten, head of editorial at Car and Classic, said: "Cars with famous former owners are popular on Car & Classic, but taking one off the hands of a current F1 driver, especially one in a rich vein of form, is a rare opportunity.
"Lando Norris has proven he knows the optimal way to get around the streets of Monte Carlo in a McLaren, and his beloved Jolly proves he knows how to do the same when he’s off-duty too."
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It comes after a car owned by a famous daredevil before being lost for 30 years went up for sale.
Meanwhile, a collection of luxury cars, including an ultra-rare Ferrari, hit the market for an eye-watering price.
