Description
Aiming at the nascent middle class in Italy, Fiat launched in 1953 a small monocoque saloon: the 1100, type 103. It was offered as a cabriolet from 1955, benefiting from a small‑American look thanks to designer Luigi Rapi. In 1957, this drop‑top received a new engine, the 1. 2 L from the 1100 TV. It was renamed 1200, but its already dated styling called for a restyle. This took place in 1959. It was the work of Pinin Farina who drew a magnificent dress, foreshadowing that of the Peugeot 404 Cabriolet.
For the occasion, the 1200 changed code, becoming 118G. In addition to the 1. 2 L, the Italian drop‑top benefits from a brand‑new engine, designed by OSCA, Maserati brothers’ company. Persuasive with its twin overhead camshafts, it develops 90 hp for 1. 5 L: here is the first 1500 Cabriolet (type 118S), very rare since only 300 were built. Very fast (170 km/ h), it becomes 1500S in 1961 then 1600S in 1962 (type 118SA).
In 1963, the 1500 saloon appears. It then provides its 1. 5 L SOHC engine with polyspherical combustion chambers, designed by Aurelio Lampredi, to the 1200, which is renamed 1500. Developing 72 hp, it replaces the 1. 2 L. On this occasion, Fiat benefits from a widened grille while losing its bonnet air intake. Codified 118H, this homogeneous variant accounts for the bulk of sales. It proves to be easier to live with than the 1600S thanks to its less finicky yet still performing engine. The top speed rises to 160 km/ h. The 1500 is also much more affordable than the 1600S: 15, 500 FF in 1964 (equivalent to 22, 300 € today) versus 20, 000 FF.
An attractive price next to the MGB’s 16, 750 FF. In 1965, Fiat received a five‑speed fully synchronised gearbox: a rarity at the time. It also gains a few extra horses thanks to a new carburettor, and is coded 118K. The interior is revised. The 1500 cabriolet disappears in 1966, replaced by the 124 Spider. The 118 series was produced to 35, 000 units between 1959 and 1966, including 22, 941 in H and K versions with a 1500 engine.
This example, a 1965 Series H, is equipped with a four‑speed gearbox. From an old restoration, it still presents well and runs as it should!
