Vehicle Description
1962 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, a rebuilt engine, new front suspension
and new window seals installed, this "Vetture Speciali" hand built
2-seater is ripe for the picking, and driving too.
Exterior
Red paint adorns the exterior surfaces and while there are some
slight faults and evidence of repairs and a few suspect areas with
rust bubbling under the bright paint. Overall this car presents
well with a good retained shine. All exterior chrome, including the
front and rear bumpers, and lighting are in good condition, as well
as the slightly faded 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
older blackwall rubber.
Interior
The interior features black and red vinyl bucket seats, red pile
carpeting, and a black steel topped dash framing a red steel
dashboard. The seats are a low back bomber style and show almost no
wrinkling or wear with smooth black bolsters, red tuck and roll
inserts, and black piping. 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 red dash. An aftermarket
AM/FM/Cassette stereo is mounted into the dash and just below is a
black steel. Partially hidden underneath the dash are the toggles
and pulls for the heater and defroster. Deep pile red 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. Along with the rebuilt engine we
note a new water pump, belts, starter and a rebuilt carburetor.
Undercarriage
Slight surface rust on the untreated components but otherwise
plenty of patina and undercoating on the unibody construction which
is structurally solid. Independent coil springs for the front
suspension with all new components, 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 rear wheel cylinders. A new stock style exhaust is also noted
underneath and we note a cleaned and painted fuel tank with a new
float and sending unit.
Drive-Ability
This 1962 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. Well cared for but
not without its faults and flaws, a wonderful Italian lady, 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.
