Vehicle Description
BID ONLINE for this vehicle at Bid.WheelerAuctionGroup.com
Year: 1962
Make: Fiat
Model: 1200 Vetture Speciali
Body Style: Convertible
Color Exterior: Copper
Color Interior: Beige
Motor Configuration: 1,2 liter
Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
The 1962 Fiat VT ("Vetture Speciali"- Special Cars) called the 1200
Spider in export markets has amazing similarities to Ferrari's 250
GT PF Cabriolet of the same. Available at a fraction of the cost,
the popularity of the 1200 Spider skyrocketed with sports car
enthusiasts.
Powering the 1200 Cabriolet was an overhead-valve 1,221cc
four-cylinder engine that sported a 72 x 75mm bore and stroke,
8.25:1 compression and a two-barrel Weber 36DCD downdraft
carburetor; in this form, it made 55hp at 5,300 RPM and 60-lbs.ft.
of torque at 3,000 RPM, enough to push the 2,030-pound car close to
90 MPH.
The 1200 Cabriolet was replaced in 1963 and by the 1500 Cabriolet;
in 1968, the 124 Spider would take up the mantle of Fiat's
traditional two-seat convertible.
This two-seater, internally considered Series 143, featured a unit
body that was designed and built by the artisans at Pinin Farina;
the "Vetture Speciali" (Special Cars) badges on the 1961 example
indicate this car's hand-built nature and special brightwork trim.
Floor shifter for the four-speed manual, rollup door windows and a
folding soft top that disappeared into a devoted well behind the
seats for a smooth appearance. The practical and commodious trunk
hid the spare tire and tool kit under the door.
With a very Ferrari looking Pininfarina body these Fiat model were
certainly memorable little sports cars. Certainly, well preserved,
it has nevertheless received a "thorough mechanical and cosmetic
refurbishment" to leave it looking pretty much as new. The engine
was tuned up and the outside everything has been refinished or
reconditioned. Finished in copper over beige interior, it looks
stunning.
Certain to increase in value in a fast appreciating European
sports-car market, this special Fiat Spider represents a sound
financial investment while providing classic Pininfarina styling
and Italian panache and performance.
Vehicle is located in Florida. Buyer/Bidder will be responsible for
pickup or shipping charges from this location to wherever they are
shipping it to.
