With roadsters enjoying a renaissance in the 1990s thanks to the Mazda MX-5 and MGF, Fiat decided to get in on the act with the Barchetta – a delicately styled and hugely rewarding-to-drive two-seater, assembled on its behalf by coachbuilder Maggiora in Turin and based on the platform of the Punto supermini.
It was never produced in the same volumes as its key rivals due to being hand-finished, and was only ever offered in left-hand-drive, meaning UK imports were in relatively low volumes. That makes it a rare and unusual choice of modern classic roadster today, as well as one that’s an absolute joy to drive.
This one is Broom Yellow – an iconic Fiat colour – and was imported to the UK from Germany in 1999, less than a year after it was built. It’s a stunning little car.
Original handbook and German registration documents
UK V5C and old MOTs
Old tax discs
Red key
Three previous owners
Several more recent service invoices
The last owner of the Barchetta has had it for seven years, having acquired it from an owner who had it for the 12 years prior to that so it’s not a car that has been passed around like a hot potato. Indeed, a lifetime of loving care is documented by the service receipts and papers that come with it, along with photographs from the previous owner showing the underside of the car being treated.
The current MOT expires in June 2022 but the vendor will put a new test on the car for the next owner. It also has the all-important ‘red key’, which is essential for getting replacements coded.
The Barchetta is lovely inside with no noticeable signs of wear, as befits the car’s low mileage. The seats are smart and free from damage, the original radio is present and all of the controls work as they should. The passenger side electric window is a bit slow but works fine.
Finished in the boldest and brightest of 1990s Fiat Colours – Broom Yellow – the Barchetta looks amazing and is in wonderful order with no signs of any major damage or marks.
Close-up, there’s a tiny dent in the rear deck about the size of a 5p coin and some fading to the Fiat badges, but that’s about it.
The OZ rally alloys are in terrific condition, the paint retains a great finish with no lacquer damage and the underside has been properly treated and rustproofed by the last owner.
The 1,747cc twin cam engine in the Barchetta was based on that used in the Bravo and Brava models, but tweaked for extra performance. It develops 130bhp and it sounds lovely.
This one runs sweetly and has a good maintenance record, with regular servicing backed up by regular invoices from the same independent garage. The cambelt was last changed at 37,236km in 2015, since when the car has covered only 4,500km or 3,000 miles. You may wish to change it based on age, but the car has been garage stored and used during the summer months.
This is a fabulous example of the Barchetta, which is a car with a cult following and is becoming increasingly collectable in Italian car circles, especially if you can find one as well-presented and as solid as this one clearly is. It’s a great-looking car in lovely condition.
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1998 Fiat Barchetta LHD
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