F1 Star Lando Norris puts his beachy Fiat 500 Jolly Evocation up for auction

1972 Fiat 500 (carscoops.com)

McLaren’s Lando Norris is auctioning his 1972 Fiat 500 Jolly Evocation, adding a touch of beachy charm to a car once owned by the young Formula 1 sensation.

When you think of a Formula 1 driver’s first car, it’s typically a high-speed performance vehicle. However, McLaren’s Lando Norris defied expectations by acquiring a 1972 Fiat 500 Jolly Evocation as his first personal car. This whimsical Fiat is now up for auction, offering a slice of automotive nostalgia.

While only 650 Fiat 500s were converted to the legendary “Jolly” status by Ghia, Norris’s car is an “Evocation.” This distinction means it wasn’t one of the original conversions, which is ideal for a car that Norris drove and shared with friends, like teammate Oscar Piastri. As a result, this Fiat 500 Jolly Evocation has some rust on the grab handles and the canopy, owing to its coastal escapades in Monaco. The non-original status makes it easier for the next owner to address these issues as they see fit.

Apart from the minor imperfections, the car is in good condition. The light blue Gelato paint displays some bubbling in places but is generally well-maintained. The whitewall tires, high-quality caramel carpet, and wicker seats successfully capture the spirit of the original Jolly and its beachy vibe.

The Veglia dial indicates approximately 36,500 km (22,680 miles) on the 499cc air-cooled Fiat engine. A charming runabout, this Fiat 500 is being auctioned while Lando Norris continues his successful Formula 1 career, which could potentially enhance its value.

The auction is conducted by Car & Classic, running from October 26 to 31, with estimated prices ranging from £28,000 to £33,000 ($34,143 to $40,241 USD at current exchange rates).

Car & Classic’s head of editorial, Dale Vinten, noted the allure of owning a car previously driven by a prominent F1 driver, especially one in excellent shape, making this a rare opportunity for car enthusiasts and motorsport fans alike.