The chance to own a Formula One driver's car is now yours thanks to Car & Classic, Europe’s largest online marketplace for classic and niche vehicles. The driver? Lando Norris. The car? Unfortunately, it isn’t the McLaren F1 car that he currently drives on famous tracks around the world, but to a certain type of buyer, it could be the next best thing.

The car is in fact a 1972 Fiat 500 Jolly. Whilst it isn’t an original, it is definitely owned by the British driver and is an evocation of the famous Jolly variant of the classic Fiat 500. They were extremely rare cars and it is estimated that only 650 were originally manufactured over 50 years ago by Italian styling house Ghia. As a doorless, open-air configuration with wicker seats and a canopy roof, the Jolly was highly desirable a the time and many original Fiat 500s were converted in order for people to fulfil their dream of owning one.

Norris’ car is powered by a 499cc air-cooled Fiat engine paired with a four-speed manual gearbox. It comes complete with the Brit’s purchase invoice and as an historic car, it is tax free, ULEZ compliant and MOT exempt. Judging by the pictures we see, the car looks in pretty good condition and you can picture it being driven to or even on the beach - if allowed.

“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,” says Car & Classic head of editorial Dale Vinten. “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”.

Car & Classic’s auction of Lando Norris’ Fiat 500 Jolly runs from 26 – 31 October and is expected to fetch between £28k and £33k. You can find the latest auctions here.

Words: Mike Booth
Pictures: Car & Classic