Bill Calthrop talks to the proprietor of Swindon's Rockin Emporium, Brian McVeigh, about his 1962 Fiat 500 Bambino.
How long have you owned it? A couple of years now. I brought it back from Malta. I don't use it a great deal but do take it to local classic car shows and that sort of thing.
What made you choose it? Saw it in Malta some years ago and eventually persuaded the owner to part with it. He had owned it for some time having inherited it from an uncle some years before. Being very dry in Malta there is very little rust and everything is original, albeit pretty basic.
Does it have a name? For me it's just The Fiat but my children call it dad's pokemon car.
What do you like best about the car? Well in fairness I have had several, indeed I have another which is being renovated. I just love the car totally. They are quirky but enchanting with it. They look so small and dinky but in fact seem to have a lot of room inside. I just love them.
So what does the car tell us about you? That I'm a bit off the wall I suppose.
What do you like listening to when driving? Don't be silly, it doesn't have anything as sophisticated as a radio. Not that you'd be able to hear anything anyway, especially with the top folded back.
When you clean the car out what sort of things are you likely to find? Usually old Maltese coins tucked away. Let's face it, it's not as if there are many nooks and crannies. You have to realise that the Bambino is pretty basic, a speedo and a couple of switches and that's it!
Any accidents in it? No, but it has been known to find it has been pushed forward in a parking bay to allow someone else to edge their car in.
Had any parking tickets? No but wife got one when someone in fact moved the car forward. But she was believed and got off a fine!
What do other drivers do that you hate most? When one is at a junction waiting but no one in the queue will let you through.
How often do you wash your car? Not often. But the kids do seem to offer to wash it if they need a bit of cash. Let's face it, it's easy money. It takes only about 10 minutes.
May others smoke in your car? No. I have always been into classics. First was a mid-60s Mini, followed by Sunbeams, Rileys, Wolsleys and even a 1961 Dodge Phoenix, a London Cab and so on. Then a few years ago I decided comfort was a priority and opted for more modern forms of transport.
Dream car? Would have to be a mint Mk II Jaguar. Has to be perfect though, none of this "needs renovation" nonsense.
What famous person would you give a ride to? Would have to be Beckham, who has just about everything a man could want. Just to see him squeeze into my little 500, with Posh in the back of course, would give me immense pleasure.
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