Back in 1991, famed designer, Peter Stevens, created the Barchetta 595, a deliciously beautiful take on a Fiat 500 with the roof cut-off, a proper ‘speedster’ style device. It was sold via the Dove Motor Company and about 10 were produced.

Although un-doubtedly a beautiful thing, at 24K the price was a bit steep. We are talking 25-years ago, after all.

Since them several takes on the theme have appeared but the original went to ground thought lost. Well, thanks to a Shropshire-based company run by Mark Hill, that’s about to change as it’s about to make a comeback.

It’s early days yet but Mark says that he’s made some changes to the package and he’ll seel the Barchetta 595 in rolling chassis form. It uses Smart ForTwo subframes front and rear although most of the mechanicals including engine and gearbox will be from the BMW ‘Boxer’ range of motorbikes such as the K100 and K1200, as used by Grinnall Cars on the excellent Scorpion III.

Kit packages that include much of what you need to complete the car except bike parts, lights and pedal box cost £5500 and it’s estimated that a DIY example could easily be completed for under £10,000.

Until the company’s website goes live you can find out more via EMAIL or at the other end of  07402 415 666 ENDS.