Highlights
- Previously a Fiat UK demonstrator
- Converted to RHD in period by Huxford & Son
- Believed to be one of very few RHD examples left
- Extremely rare OSCA 1500cc twin cam engine
The Appeal
Leading on from Fiats' 1200 Spider, the 1500 S Cabriolet had no trouble turning heads with truly beautiful styling from none other than Pininfarina. Initially released with a 1200cc engine Fiat quickly released they needed more power for it to be considered a true sports car. Thus, came the 1500cc twin cam engines provided by O.S.C.A, which was formed by the Maserati brothers.
These earlier 1500 Cabriolet examples with the OSCA engine are now extremely rare, with roughly 1000 examples produced. Little need to be said in regards to the aesthetics, Pininfarina carried out a marvellous job and created a vehicle that still evokes emotion when seeing one today. With a low kerb weight, around 1000 kg and independent front suspension, the 1500 Cabriolet also had sharp handling to match its beauty and sporty engine!
These earlier 1500 Cabriolet examples with the OSCA engine are now extremely rare, with roughly 1000 examples produced. Little need to be said in regards to the aesthetics, Pininfarina carried out a marvellous job and created a vehicle that still evokes emotion when seeing one today. With a low kerb weight, around 1000 kg and independent front suspension, the 1500 Cabriolet also had sharp handling to match its beauty and sporty engine!
The History and Paperwork
- MOT exempt
- First registered 15/05/1960
- Non-transferable registration mark
- Imported to the UK directly after production
- Odometer reading in kilometres as originally produced in Italy
- Part independent service history covering current ownership, prior service history not present
- Vehicle was featured in Motorsport magazine of November 1960, magazine included and in good condition
- Converted to RHD shortly after import by Huxford & Son of Portchester
- Selling to free up space for a new project
- Current owner is an enthusiast and has carried out a thorough mechanical recommissioning at a cost of roughly £3,500
- Full breakdown of work carried out by current owner included in the paperwork
- Rare, earlier model fitted with the desirable O.S.C.A engine from new and drum brakes on all corners
- Reportedly restored around 10 years ago
- Current owner replaced the carburettor with a new Weber DGV unit, old one included with vehicle along with original air intake and a pulley belt
- Manual in English present and in good condition
The Interior
- Desirable Moto-Lita steering wheel
- All interior electronics and features reported to function as expected
- Black interior remains in very good condition overall
The interior of this 1500 S Cabriolet remains in very good condition overall. The black vinyl seats have previously been repaired on the top sections, there is a tear to the rear of the driver’s seat but apart from this they remain in good condition. The gorgeous Moto-Lita steering wheel gives for an inviting cabin, similarly to the well-designed dash cluster and gauges, all of which are in very good condition.
There are some signs of a previous repair to the dashboard surround of the gauges but rest of the dash is in good condition. Black carpets are present throughout which remain in very good condition too. Heavy duty rubber mats are also present under both front seats and remain in excellent condition. The boot has evidently been well looked after too, free from any corrosion and includes a full size original spare wheel, also in excellent condition.
There are some signs of a previous repair to the dashboard surround of the gauges but rest of the dash is in good condition. Black carpets are present throughout which remain in very good condition too. Heavy duty rubber mats are also present under both front seats and remain in excellent condition. The boot has evidently been well looked after too, free from any corrosion and includes a full size original spare wheel, also in excellent condition.
The Exterior
- Original specification Fiat White colour
- Period correct matching Michelin XZX tyres in excellent condition
- Bodywork and badges all in very good condition overall
- Period correct numberplate issued and fitted by current owner
Painted in Fiat White, the Pininfarina styling of this cabriolet really stands out. This is also helped by the brightwork and badges which are in very good condition throughout. There are some minor imperfections such a micro bubbling and a few small chips but these are only noticeable when inspecting closely. The only noticeable area of bubble rust is to the lower nearside front wing.
The convertible top included with the vehicle is in excellent condition both inside and out, this was newly replaced by the current owner. Furthermore, this example also includes the tonneau cover which is in very good condition and helps to tidy the appearance when the convertible top is retracted. Finally, the original steel rims are in very good condition with a mirror polish to the hub caps. There are some small areas of possible de-lamination around the edges of the windscreen but these do not affect driving visibility, the current owner has replaced the windscreen seals in April of this year.
The convertible top included with the vehicle is in excellent condition both inside and out, this was newly replaced by the current owner. Furthermore, this example also includes the tonneau cover which is in very good condition and helps to tidy the appearance when the convertible top is retracted. Finally, the original steel rims are in very good condition with a mirror polish to the hub caps. There are some small areas of possible de-lamination around the edges of the windscreen but these do not affect driving visibility, the current owner has replaced the windscreen seals in April of this year.
The Mechanics
- Desirable 1491cc O.S.C.A twin cam engine
- Current owner has carried out a full mechanical recommissioning
- New Weber DGV carburettor fitted, original unit included with vehicle
The current owner has evidently cherished this vehicle with a focus on the mechanics. Over the last 6 months a wide variety of work has been carried out. To name a few; new distributor cap and leads, replaced the 2 to 1 section of the exhaust, a new speedometer cable, replaced various coolant hoses and a new battery.
Furthermore, engine and differential oils have been replaced in the last 6 months along with the brake systems both front and rear receiving an overhaul with rebuilt cylinders in the front. The list goes on, which can be seen in full in the photos of the paperwork, it goes without saying that this vehicle has had a thorough going over mechanically.
Thanks to this work the engine starts and runs as expected, free from any knocks, bangs or smoke. The vehicle is reported to drive and stop well and in a straight line. Finally, the engine bay and underside remain in a very good, used but tidy condition.
Furthermore, engine and differential oils have been replaced in the last 6 months along with the brake systems both front and rear receiving an overhaul with rebuilt cylinders in the front. The list goes on, which can be seen in full in the photos of the paperwork, it goes without saying that this vehicle has had a thorough going over mechanically.
Thanks to this work the engine starts and runs as expected, free from any knocks, bangs or smoke. The vehicle is reported to drive and stop well and in a straight line. Finally, the engine bay and underside remain in a very good, used but tidy condition.
Summary
With truly gorgeous styling and a sporty twin cam O.S.C.A engine to match, the Fiat 1500 S Cabriolet is car that truly evokes joy. This example remains in very good condition overall and boasts only 4 owners since new. The current owner has invested a large amount of time and money recommissioning the vehicle mechanically. The interior and exterior are both still in very good condition too and when gracing the roads this vehicle has no trouble turning heads. If you are in the market for a classic Italian cabriolet, this example is definitely an opportunity worth considering!
Notice to bidders
Notice to bidders
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.*
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UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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