1961 Fiat 1200 Cabriolet

Fiat 1200 was the name of three distinct models produced by Italian car manufacturer Fiat, all based on Fiat 1100 mechanicals. The first two were introduced in 1957 and replaced the TV (Turismo Veloce) variants at the top of the Fiat 1100 range: the 1200 Granluce, an upmarket small four-door saloon derived from the 1100, and the 1200 Spyder, an update of the previous 1100 TV Trasformabile 2-door roadster. The 1200 Granluce was discontinued in 1961 when larger Fiat saloons were introduced, while the 1200 Trasformabile/Spyder was replaced in 1959 by the 1200 Cabriolet. This was a new Pininfarina design, later developed into the 1200 and 1500 Cabriolets.

Mention "Fiat convertible" to your average American, and if you don't get a blank stare, you'll probably hear about a 124 or an X1/9. Those cars sold on our market for many years, and in fairly large quantities, so it's no wonder that they're our primary association with Fiat. Go back a bit further and you'll find that Fiat made--and in small numbers, imported--some real two-seater delicacies, like the pretty 1959-'63 1200 Cabriolet. Rolling into our Hallowed Halls today is this topless wonder from Turin, with a restoration at one point,new brakes and lots of recent maintenance, this consignor stated "Vetture Speciali" limited edition is ripe for the picking, and driving too.

Exterior
Powder blue paint adorns the exterior surfaces and while there are some slight faults and evidence of repair on the left rear, overall presents very nicely with a good retained shine. All exterior chrome, including the new front and rear bumpers, and lighting are in good condition, as well as the new black convertible top, which is very simple to put up and down. It also sports a clear plastic rear window. Pininfarina was a master at utilizing lines that contradicted themselves to create interest. In the back of the car, is a study in that design concept. A simple trunk lid, framed by slight fins with their bright spear atop leading back to cathedral style tail lighting is an excellent example of this theory in practice. Seen on the corners are slotted steel wheels with simple Fiat caps and newer blackwall rubber

Interior
The interior features blue vinyl bucket seats, blue pile carpeting, and a black steel topped dash framing a light blue steel dashboard. The seats are a low back bomber style and show almost no wrinkling or wear. There is also a small storage area behind the seats that is still accessible when the soft top is lowered. Twin chrome bezel rings surround the dual instrument pods with black face gauges all within the powder blue dash. An aftermarket digital AM/FM stereo is mounted seamlessly into the dash and just below is a black padding over the steel. Partially hidden underneath the dash are the toggles and pulls for the heater and defroster. Royal blue carpeting floods the floors and remains clean.

Drivetrain
A 1221cc inline 4-cylinder powers this sports car and produces approximately 58hp. 4 speeds for the manual transmission allows the driver to experience the melodious tune of the exhaust as they go through the gears, that is quintessential Fiat 4-cylinder. 4.30 gears for the rear axle setup, and all is corrosion free and looking excellent under the hood. We note a new carburetor and fuel pump had been installed to keep the air and fossils in check.

Undercarriage
Slight surface rust on the untreated components but otherwise plenty of patina and black undercoating on the unibody construction which is structurally solid. Independent coil springs for the front suspension, and leaf springs for the back with new shocks work to help you sling this sports car through the curves. Drum brakes are noted all around with a new master cylinder and wheel cylinders. A new stock style exhaust is also noted underneath.

Drive-Ability
This 1961 1200 Cabriolet is literally a consignment that can be driven out of the showroom and enjoyed immediately and we did! Handling, performance, and the wind in your hair, will give you the satisfaction you are in an Italian sports car, and loving it. Smooth on the power, good solid braking on the panic stopping, and a snappy handler of a sports car I'd say from my experience.

With its Pininfarina lines, and overall good condition, this is a neat little car to have some fun with. It looks great, runs even greater, and is comfortable to sit in and drive. Meticulously cared for and loved by its owner who purchased the car and has had a love affair with ever since. Care to cut in now with this demure topless temptress from Turin?!

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.