Vignale Samantha History

Designed by Vignale's own chief stylist Virginio Vairo, the Samantha was unveiled around 1967 using the Fiat 125S as its mechanical basis. The 125S's 100 hp twin-cam four-cylinder and five-speed manual gearbox were retained unchanged, while Vairo wrapped them in smooth fastback bodywork featuring pop-up headlamps and distinctive triple portholes on each rear quarter.

The Samantha was a genuine four-seater, unusual for the niche genre, and its equipment level was high for the period. It was sold outside the mainstream Fiat dealer network — not available in France, though offered in Monaco — which kept sales volumes tiny. Approximately 100 examples were built between 1967 and 1971, and fewer than 25 are believed to survive.