This, Enid Blyton fans, is the original Noddy Car - a full-size, driveable, almost exact mirror of the iconic red and yellow roadster that was driven around Toytown in the classic children's books.
The car's provenance is unimpeachable - it was once owned by Enid Blyton's company and it really is registered as NOD 513 - and it's expected to fetch more than £20 000 (R300 000) when it goes under the hammer at the Silverstone Classic auction on Saturday 27 July.
It’s actually a 1969 Fiat Gamine Vignale, a small two-seat roadster based on the Fiat 500 platform that was produced by Carozzeria Vignale from 1967 to 1971, although NOD 513 actually has a later-model 594cc engine and synchromesh gearbox.
“HUGE INTEREST”
It has had only four owners, including Ms Blyton, in 44 years and has covered less than 7300km from new; in recent years it has been serviced, fettled and polished within an inch of its life by Fiat specialist Middle Barton Garage in Oxfordshire.
Silverstone Auctions classic car specialist Will Smith said: "We expect a huge amount of interest in the Noddy Car from Fiat collectors as well as Enid Blyton fans - and who can blame them for wanting to get their hands on a car that takes us back to our childhood.
"The number plate - NOD 513 - is the finishing touch which makes this unique car extra special."