Successor to the FIAT 1100T, the 238 was introduced in 1967 and produced in various versions - van, truck, chassis cab, minibus and ambulance - with engines of either 1,197cc or 1,438cc. Top speed was around 105km/h (65mph). The 238's mechanical underpinnings were sourced from the Autobianchi Primula, which is notable as the FIAT Group's first passenger car to feature front-wheel drive and a transverse engine. Produced in collaboration with Citroën, a Tipo 242 van arrived in 1974 boasting a larger petrol engine and a diesel option. However, such was the 238's popularity that it was made available with 242's larger engine and kept in production until 1983, being replaced by the first of the Ducato series.

The 238 was also briefly built by Germany's Neckar-Fiat. It was also popular for mobile home conversions since the front-wheel-drive packaging allowed for a low, flat floor, enabling a very spacious living area for such a compact and light vehicle. Ruggeri, Weinsberg, Westfalia, and many others provided conversions.

The van you see here has been restored to a high level, in fact it’s the nicest job we’ve seen on in 238 in recent memory. It’s been finished in a period correct Lamborghini roadside assistance livery that’ll ensure it always draws a crowd at shows. This van has clearly been through a comprehensive restoration, in fact the front passenger compartment is the nicest 238 cockpit we’ve ever seen and presents like new. It;s also fitted with a modern remote controlled Sony sound system. The van has a white top to help keep it cool, with aquamarine blue sides featuring Lamborghini livery. It rides on classic steel wheels and the swing doors at the back of the van open to show a tidy but empty interior with strip lights fitted to the ceiling.

This would be a cool addition to any car collection. The new owner will be the one to decide if they turn it into a camper, use it as a regular cargo van, or perhaps even fill it with tools and go looking for stranded Italian exotics to rescue.