If the current era of the automobile is dominated by ‘faux-by-four’ crossovers, then the 1990s was the decade of the coupé, with nigh-on every mainstream brand from Alfa Romeo to Vauxhall having at least one two-door style statement in its range. Based on the same front-wheel-drive platform as the ‘type-916’ Alfa Romeo GTV, the Fiat Coupé’s style statement was (and is) a confident and unapologetic one. 

With an exterior designed in Fiat Centro Stile by Chris Bangle, the slashed wheel arches, cut-off tail and long, pointed nose give a progressive and dynamic look, one that Fiat felt spoke of speed in a new dialect. Inside, the Pininfarina-designed interior with four plush seats and a colour-coded metal dashboard created a Grand Tourer cabin befitting of a much more senior-level machine, and a fine helm from which to command either a Lancia-derived four-cylinder or a charismatic 20-valve five-cylinder engine.

The example you see here is the ultimate iteration, a sonorous 220-horsepower Turbo Plus with the six-speed manual gearbox and ‘Viscodrive’ limited-slip differential. Featuring leather Recaros, wider tyres on its 16” wheels, aluminium trim, light-catching body-coloured side skirts, a honeycomb-esque grille and a Sparco strut brace under the clamshell bonnet, you are looking at a cared-for but daily drivable example of the full bells-and-whistles model.

Similarly to the preceding Limited Edition, the Turbo Plus features generously bolstered black leather Recaro seats and sporty red stitching all around the interior to hint at the performance under the bonnet. Unique to the Turbo Plus are silver Veglia gauges with yellow needles and aluminium bezels, which look superb against the rich metallic-blue trim.

In this example the seats remain in excellent condition with the bare minimum of wear – particularly the rear seats that appear to have hardly been used in 21 years – while the exterior-coloured trim enwrapping the occupants has lost none of its lustre over time either. The piano black dashboard, meanwhile, is also pleasingly unmarked. Showing more obvious signs of long-term usage are the smoothed-down leather steering wheel rim and slightly tired-looking gearknob, the latter of which would be straightforward to replace.

The seller also reports that the aftermarket radio unit does not work, and that they have never tried opening the factory electric sunroof (although the pull-over sun blind moves perfectly well). Everything else, meanwhile, works exactly as intended. Note also that the car comes with a replacement centre console which includes a handbrake gaiter with the red stitching that is missing from the one currently installed.

The Electric Blue metallic paint mostly presents very well, highlighting the arch cuts, muscles and speed lines of this unique design in a subtly powerful way. There are, however, one or two blemishes to be found around the car, most notably some lacquer peel on the roof above the passenger door. Elsewhere there is some bubbling on the driver’s door trim on the B-pillar and the otherwise excellent original alloys have one chip on the passenger-side front wheel. The headlight lenses were previously showing surface cracks from long-term weather exposure, but were treated by the seller in 2020.

The seller reports that the exterior Pininfarina badges have been removed from the area ahead of the rear wheels and the related holes welded-up, to prevent any water ingress and potential corrosion from building up around that area – an effective and heads-up bit of long-term protection from the elements. Buyers who want the reminder of Pininfarina’s collaboration in shaping and producing the Fiat Coupé can rest assured that the large script badge at the centre of the interior dashboard is still there!

Over the past few years, this Coupé has been treated to a host of replacement parts to refresh the chassis and restore its performance and character. Recently fitted parts include new Brembo discs and pads, rear subframe bushings, a CV joint and boots, steering gaiters, timing and auxiliary belts, tyres and battery (invoices for all these are in the history file).

The bonnet takes a little persuading to unlatch, but shows no major signs of corrosion once open. The engine bay presents well, with the red-painted rocker cover and coil cover being specific to the LE and Turbo Plus models. 

The seller reports that the car doesn’t blow any undue smoke on start-up and doesn’t suffer any oil pressure issues. The only thing noted is that the gear shift can feel a little sticky to the uninitiated. Otherwise, this five-cylinder GT car is ready to drive and enjoy at a moment’s notice, with the exhaust providing a magnificent soundtrack all the while.

With the market for compact sports cars as diminished as it has now become, this Pininfarina-built machine will likely continue to stand as the last in an illustrious line of Fiat coupés for the foreseeable future. With unique looks that have aged so well and an engine that will never be justifiable in a mass-market car at this level again, this fast and fine-handling modern classic is ready and willing to provide an experience never to be truly repeated by its maker – or perhaps any others out there either.

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*