This Fiat Topolino Zagato Is A Little Jewel

“I love the aspect of handmade, I love the aluminum work…” says Scott Gauthier, “I love that every one of them is unique.”

“I’ve really been taken by that,” he adds. Once you hear Gauthier—an avowed fan of Italian coachbuilder Zagato—talk about this particular car, it’s clear this little jewel is something special.

You’re looking at the only known surviving 1949 Fiat Topolino 750 MM by Zagato, one of a handful originally built…and a car that even raced flat-out in period at Italy’s harrowing Mille Miglia road race.

It may be from before his time, but Gauthier knows the car inside out: he’s the one who restored it.

“I’ve always loved working with my hands,” he says, explaining how he eventually found himself years later making his own jewelry. “Restoring cars, I think is one of the joys of owning a car… Because of the world I’m in, nothing really scares us. You just can’t look at it as too serious of a thing,” he says.

“It’s just metal, paint, it’s forming, and it’s fabrication.”

Judging by the numerous awards the car has been honored with since restoration was finished, this rare car will likely survive far into the future thanks to Gauthier’s own two hands.

Drive Tastefully®

[canyonhaverfield]

Of course ! From the very 1st moment .. my feelings said -Jewel ! Never have a seen a more beautiful series of jewel-like aspects.. I give it best finished dash board, steering wheel, knobs that have ever pierced my eye balls ! Thank you for this wonderful story !

[targaflorio]

Nobody does automotive design like the Italians. Cool car to go with a Cool owner.

[Alby]

This channel never fails to deliver - thank you.

[FalloutUgglan]

Such smooth beautiful lines, the chrome details, the grille
A real gem

[Drgoldthumb]

As a younger goldsmith/ jewelry designer and a car nut, I don't think that this could have been more inspiring to me. Thank you Scott for sharing your story and, in turn, putting my goals back in focus. Sometimes all you need is to see that it can be done. This was just what I needed right now... as I have been feeling a little lost as of late. With a little more bounce in my step, I head back to the bench and continue to try and build my dreams, one ring at a time. Thank you Scott once again!... and if you ever need a CAD guy, maybe we should talk. :-).... Oh, amazing car by the way!  I love it!

[obedchattergoon]

That Fiat does not look like any car from 1949 at all. That thing's beautiful. I want one.

[jami]

nice to see that even though it's the only one known to be left in the world he is still driving it and it's not stuck in a museum.

[Celicarz]

Some of the wisest petrolhead words I've ever heard in a single video, lovely car! Cheers!

[mikeyerke]

I like his "Anything could be restored" attitude. Beautiful car and a nice philosophy.

[LavikkaPhotography]

How did I not see this! Not only do I know Scott but I also no that car and have photographed it a few times. Amazing car.

[RowlandvilleTexas]

This was a wonderful video in your series. 1) The car. Wonderful. Cute. Reminds you of the simplicity of purpose of our cars that too often gets lost beneath the latest gadgets. 2) His perspective: An owner is merely a piece of a car's history. That is part of the power of the Petrolicious series, the profundity that comes from these stories. Thank you!

[modelleg]

Best one yet. Great Owner, wonderful experience. Long live the Zagato Topolino.

[davidlong]

Love these Petro guys! I'm I the only one who was taken back by the exhaust note of this car. I was completely surprised and expected something more high pitched!

[jools]

lovely little car, and the owner has the right attitude too

[TheTheolm]

This is another beautiful car in an excellent condition too. I love the landscape as well.

[MotorcarCollector]

It's funny how small the drivers seat is compared to the passenger seat! Amazing car, I have always loved Zagotos and are with out doubt my favorite coach builder. It also looks like he has a lovely museum.

[MrInternetDude]

This Channel is so underrated, so glad it's getting more popular

[IROCMAN]

What a wonderful car !

I'm impressed by the quality of the restauration ! Congratulations !

[arnomaas]

zagatos are always special cars even in that format of the "people's" post war italian car.I hope we may see more of that gentleman's fine automobiles in the future !

[mrradman]

Love the details especially the massive Zagato Z showing through the grille. I have a Lancia Fulvia Zagato which has very similar proportions to this car.