Between 1957 and 1961, Fiat produced nearly 400,000 examples of the 1200-series model in a variety of body styles. The rarest of these, the 1200 Turismo Veloce Spider, is offered here; just 2,350 were produced from 1957 to 1959. The Spider’s underpinnings and mechanicals were shared with the contemporaneous 1200 sedan, but the styling and construction of hand-built model was handled by Fiat’s Special Vehicles department (Vetture Speciali). In a tradition that would continue through to the following decade, these small-volume coachbuilt convertibles were proudly denoted as such by elegant zinc-plated badges that said, simply, “Vetture Speciali.”

This 1958 “triple black” example is a supremely presented and accurately restored illustration of the 1200 TV Spider’s enduring charm. Presented today in its particularly desirable color combination, this particular chassis was first registered in 1959 and reportedly remained with its original owner until 1974. It was then sold to its second recorded owner, within whose family it remained for the next 43 years.

Just prior to acquisition by the consignor, this handsome 1200 TV Spider was submitted to a comprehensive and remarkably accurate restoration which was completed in late 2016. Beginning in 2011, this restoration was executed by a symposium of several specialist shops located in Arizona and Southern California over the course of the following five years. Over $60,000 of restoration invoices on file exhibit the painstaking execution of this bare-metal endeavor. This rare Fiat was lavishly treated to respective overhauls of its 1.2-liter engine, chassis, electricals, interior, brightwork, and underpinnings with OEM and refurbished parts sourced where available. A black cloth top surmounts the neatly trimmed cabin complete with the pair of distinctive, swiveling seats rendered with white piping.

This exquisite and rare Fiat Spider is now accompanied by registration records, service invoices, and an Italian registration plate from the Reggio Emilia province. Few examples of the 1200 TV Spider remain on the road in this country, and fewer still are so nicely presented, making this an especially attractive specimen. It is surely a welcome participant at many of the finest Italian-centric concours, tours, rallies, and exhibitions which are so richly celebrated throughout the world.