The cutest of cars are typically determined by an explicit reaction of “awe” when encountering their charming, petite-like features and expressive faces for the very first time. If you were to be seeking such an adorable addition to your car collection, Daniel Iseli, an inspirational collector based in Switzerland, is offering his amassed group of such cars without reserve at RM Sotheby’s St. Moritz sale on 15 September 2023. We’ve selected a few cuties to consider when the bidding begins.
One of the most personable cars in the sale, accentuated by a wide smiling face on its front-end, is this Fiat 600 Berlinetta “Monterosa” in a two-tone paint scheme. Exhibited at the Turin Motor Show in 1958, this Monterosa is believed to be one of only three ever built. Its story becomes even more remarkable when realizing it was originally registered as a 600 Multipla people carrier. A rare, jet-age jewel.
Small cars tend to be inherently cute, like most smaller versions of things. Yet, that shrunken size sacrifices space, which limits the kinds of weekend excursions you can take in your classic. That’s where this 1970 Fiat 500 L shines, with its matching trailer, fashioned out of an additional Fiat 500 to match!
There are mini-trucks, and then there is the Piaggio. Another piece of pure Italian joy, this Piaggio Ape 400 was intended to deliver the practicality of a moving van in a bite-sized vehicle. This example is the first generation of the Ape scooter to go fully enclosed, balanced upon a trio of tiny wheels. Used throughout the world as a city-based delivery truck, this Piaggio is surprisingly practical, and unsurprisingly delightful.
Small features, soft colors, and a friendly smile can certainly win the hearts of collectors, and this Volkswagen pickup fits the bill. The “Late Bay” single-cab 1972 Type 2 model is fitted with an attractively finished wood-lined flatbed that complements that pastel-green paint color.
If small is cute, and Fiat is small, then of course another Fiat makes our cute collectibles list. This particular open-top Fiat 600 Spider by Vignale just fits the part in a more mature manner. Carrozzeria Vignale, known for applying a unique vision to period Ferrari chassis, transformed the curvy 600 into a sharp-looking Coupé, Spider, and Berlina (two-door sedan). All of them feature a timeless face, not focused on a radiator grille but on its cute chrome bumper.
One year prior, Vignale worked their magic on Fiat’s 1500 chassis, which did have a front-mounted engine (and hence a radiator). This allows for a toothy grin on this tiny coupe. With an overall shape that echoes the more stately Maserati Sebring Series II, this sprightly Fiat proves that well-executed styling carries over regardless of wheelbase. Today, a relatively rare sight, even among Italian collectors.
Our final adorable example is worthy of a closer look for any aficionado of classic-era Mercedes-Benz. Fully restored with a fanatical eye for detail, this L 319 Pickup was a particular point of pride for Daniel Iseli, who opted to upholster the interior of this practical vehicle with the same tartan cloth as found in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. Woodwork in the cargo bay is also finished to a level not typically seen on a practical vehicle.
As Daniel Iseli summarized, “People may say, ‘this guy is crazy to restore such a car,’ but I think it is a lovely piece, especially for a company that is in the trucking business or [a client who] wants something special.” A truly magical Mercedes-Benz, one that underlines the care in which Daniel Iseli brought to all of his collection. And like all of the incredible vehicles on our list, this L 319 will sell without reserve. A truly eclectic collection, offered from a genuinely inspirational owner.
