Launched in the UK in 1985, the Y10 won instant acclaim from British motoring journalists. 'We wouldn't be at all surprised if it forms a cult following all of its own', suggested What Car?. The future looked bright. But sadly, the British never did take to this unusually styled baby from Italy. To me, it was chic, distinctive and, yes, even attractive. But this was the mid-80's when little hatches had to look like Metros and Mk2 Fiestas; anything with a bit of style was doomed to ultimate failure.

Now of course, people look to small cars for individuality. Take the Fiat Cinquecento and Ford Ka, which have distinct styles of their own - something the Y10 had nearly a decade and a half ago, before either of these 'babies' was even thought of.

The Y10 Fire was a nippy runabout; the Y10 Touring was an effortless high-speed cruiser; the Turbo was a pocket rocket. They all oozed character, and most of Europe loved them - particularly the Italians (of course), the French and the Germans. The British, it seems, just didn't know a good thing when they saw it. The Y10 was reliable, built well, well equipped and good value - and it looked so, so different. And how do I know? Because I've still got the Y10 Touring that I bought new in 1986. It's still immaculate and it still turns heads - and all in a car now worth just a few hundred quid. Most Brits don't know what they are missing. PG