Description
The history of the Fiat 1500 Cabriolet is set during a pivotal period for Fiat, in the early 1960s, when the Turin manufacturer sought to combine elegance, modernity and wide diffusion. It was presented in 1963; the Fiat 1500 Cabriolet derives from the 1500 saloon launched two years earlier, but it is profoundly distinguished by its more refined positioning and its open-body style, entrusted to Pininfarina. At the time, Fiat wanted to offer an affordable leisure car capable of appealing to a European and international clientele drawn to the Italian way of life, without falling into the costly exclusivity of prestige brands.
From its launch, the 1500 Cabriolet was noticeable for its sober, balanced lines, far from the chrome excesses still common in the early sixties. The bodyshell is elegant, low, with a flowing profile and a discretely truncated tail, typical of the Pininfarina school. Under the bonnet, there is a 1, 481 cc four-cylinder engine with a single overhead camshaft, a modern technical solution for Fiat at the time. With around 72 horsepower, the car offers honest performance, but above all great driving suppleness, perfectly suited to touring and bourgeois use rather than sportiness.
The so-called “H” version, introduced in 1964, marks a significant evolution in the model’s career. The “H” does not correspond to a decorative finish, but to a technical evolution of the engine, sometimes referred to as “1500 H” or “1500 HF” depending on markets. This version benefits from notable mechanical improvements, notably refined fuel supply and engine tuning, raising power to around 75 horsepower. This slight increase may seem modest on paper, but it substantially improves driving pleasure, particularly at cruising speed, the domain where the 1500 Cabriolet excels.
The Fiat 1500 Cabriolet H is also distinguished by a sense of increased maturity. The handling is more reassuring, the steering precise for the era, and ride comfort remains one of its great strengths. Fiat achieves here a rare balance: an elegant cabriolet, usable for daily driving, sufficiently capable over long distances, and without the mechanical constraints often associated with more sporty convertibles. The interior, carefully finished without ostentation, reflects this philosophy, with clear instrumentation, comfortable seats and build quality that places the model above the average for its segment.
Production of the Fiat 1500 Cabriolet, including the H version, ended in 1966, making way for the Fiat 124 Spider, newer and more sporting. In hindsight, the 1500 Cabriolet is today regarded as one of Fiat’s most elegant cars of its era, appreciated for its timeless lines, reliable mechanics and civilised character. It perfectly embodies the Italian convertible of the sixties: less demonstrative than a pure roadster, but deeply attractive for its coherence and discreet charm.
This example, a 1965 H-series, is fitted with a 4-speed gearbox. The car has been restored in several steps:
New interior
New hood
Fuel tank replacement
Removal/ installation of supplementary instruments
Complete engine removal and overhaul with replacement of big-end/ bearing fits
Complete repaint
A full service has recently been carried out; she is ready to drive!
