Fiat can be considered one of the automobile brands with the most experience in the production of convertible cars . In fact, its first model, the 3 ½, did not have a hardtop. A feature shared by other cars of the time. Between the 1910s and 1930s, Fiat developed Torpedo (4-5 seater) and Spider (2 seater) versions of most of its models, from the most basic to large limousines .
The impact of the Second World War would end up truncating this practice of the brand. However, the success of convertible cars in the 50s would lead Fiat to develop its own proposal, signed by Luigi Rapi. The 1100 TV Transformabile, presented at the 1955 Geneva Motor Show, was an attractive two-seater roadster, inspired by American vehicles of the time. However, its 56 hp engine fell short, which led to the development of a more powerful model.
Negotiations with Pininfarina and the engine manufacturer OSCA, related to Maserati, gave rise to the Fiat Pininfarina Cabriolet, which was marketed between 1956 and 1966 in two-door coupé and cabriolet versions and with a 1,200 cm3 engine that developed 80 hp to pass to a 90 hp 1600 cm3 engine.
His successor would be a qualitative leap . In the mid-1960s, Ferrari was looking for a car manufacturer to homologate a new engine for Formula 2, a process for which it was necessary to present a series model that would match it under the hood. In Mirafiori they opened wide the doors to the ‘Cavallino Rampante’ and, with a Pininfarina design, the Dino (1966-73) was launched. Its spectacular Spider version incorporated luxury details such as the steering wheel and dashboard with touches of noble wood and could reach a speed of 200 km/h, thanks to its competition mechanics that developed 180 CV.
At the same time, Fiat included more affordable alternatives in its range, such as the 850 Spider, a coquettish, aerodynamic two-seater with a Bertone design and an 843 cm3, 49 hp engine, and, above all, the 124 Sport Spider, which remained in the Fiat catalog between 1961 and 1981, going on to be marketed by Pininfarina until 1985. Designed by Tom Tjaarda, architect of some of the most desired sports cars of the late 20th century, it even had a version to compete in rallies.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Fiat focused on developing laid-back cabrio versions of its more urban models. Thus, between 1981 and 1988, the Ritmo Cabrio was marketed, designed by Bertone and presented at the 1979 Frankfurt Motor Show. Its special Chrono and Bianco series were very well received. In 1994, Bertone would develop the Punto Cabrio, which could be purchased with an electric or manual roof and which became one of the most affordable convertibles in those years.
However, Fiat did not neglect its most sybaritic clientele, pampering them with proposals such as the Barchetta (19995-2006), designed by Andreas Zapatinas and Alessandro Cavazza with clear inspiration from the nautical world and motor racing. Based on the Punto chassis, its 129 hp 1.7 engine allowed it to reach 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds. After a restyling in 2003 in which it adopted a more modern front end, Bertone took it upon itself to pay homage to it in 2007 with the Barchetta by Bertone concept-car.
Today, there are different options in the Fiat 500 range to enjoy open air driving, such as the 500 electric Cabrio, the (500)RED Cabrio or the 500 La Prima by Bocelli Cabrio, among others.
