Page 1 of 1 At the 1955 Geneva Motorshow Fiat introduced a convertible based on the new 1100 Saloon. Pinin Farina was responsible for the body design of Fiat's first post-War convertible. Its design resembled that of the Lancia Aurelia Spider and like the Lancia featured a wrap-around windscreen. In 1959 a revised model was launched, which featured a restyled body, but continued to use many of the parts already found on the 1100 Spider.
Dubbed 1500 Cabriolet, the new convertible was again bodied by Pinin Farina. This time the design reminded of the Ferrari 250 GT convertible models. In a search for more power, Fiat approached Italian racing car manufacturer OSCA to supply engines for the convertible. OSCA's DOHC 1.5 litre four cylinder engine perfectly fitted in the engine bay of the Fiat. The OSCA powered Fiat was named 1500S.
A larger 1.6 litre '1600S' version made its debut in 1962. With 90 bhp on the tap, the 1600S proved to quite a performer, both on the road and on the track. Almost all OSCA Fiats were fitted with Pinin Farina designed coupe or cabriolet bodies, with the featured model being a rare exception.
Chassis no. 003740 was delivered by the factory on August 23rd 1962 as a Pinin Farina Cabriolet, but it was delivered straight to Vignale to be fitted with a different body. It remains today as one of only three examples to be fitted with this Vignale designed coupe bodywork.
Despite Fiat's bad reputation, this 1600S has survived with very little corrosion damage. It was offered in an unrestored state by Christie's in the Paleis 't Loo Concours d'Elegance, where it failed to meet the reserve. The estimated price was $19,000 to $23,000. Page 1 of 1
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1600S OSCA Vignale Coupe
At the 1955 Geneva Motorshow Fiat introduced a convertible based on the new 1100 Saloon. Pinin Farina was responsible for the body design of Fiat's first post-War convertible. Its design resembled that of the Lancia Aurelia Spider and like the Lancia featured a wrap-around windscreen. In 1959 a revised model was launched, which featured a restyled body, but continued to use many of the parts already found on the 1100 Spider.