Based on an everyday sedan, Fiat’s second attempt at a sports tourer sold very well in Europe and the United States. It was introduced in 1959 as a two-seat cabriolet called the 1200 with a 58 hp four-cylinder engine and as a 1500 S with an 80 hp twin-cam version of the same basic powerplant. Models were upgraded to 1500 and 1600 S with more powerful engines in 1963. Some 43,000 such cars were produced though 1966. The early history of this vehicle is not known, but it is believed to have been brought stateside by a prior owner residing in Nevada.

Finished in Periwinkle Blue over a contrasting navy-and-light-blue interior, this numbers-matching example was the beneficiary of a documented restoration completed in 2015 by Auto Sport (now Bacchelli & Villa) in Modena, Italy. A receipt showing the final cost of restoration is available for inspection. The Fiat is fitted with a navy-blue canvas top, boot, and carpets. The interior was done by the well-known Italian firm Lupi as part of the restoration. Fiat’s novel swivel buckets seats are also featured.

Included are the jack and spare wheel that matches those on the car. Having been driven just 88,500 km over its life, the consigner proudly states, “It runs and drives like new from the factory.” The Fiat has been shown locally, but never on a national level. It received Best of Show honors at the Festival Italiano in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey, and the Best European Car award in Ridgewood, New Jersey, both in 2017. Along with period-correct wide whitewall tires, this makes for a very striking combination which always elicits admiring comments.