This generation of Fiat Cabriolet first appeared in 1959, featuring attractive new bodywork styled by Pininfarina and replacing an earlier (and rather less attractive) Fiat 1200 Spider model. Initially using the same 1221 cc engine of the outgoing model, Fiat realised this was not quite sporting enough to compete with similar offerings from other manufacturers and made use of a 1500 cc twin cam engine from OSCA to provide a performance version. A hardtop Coupe model was also built from 1960.

In 1963 – following the introduction of their 1500 saloon model – Fiat uprated the basic Cabriolet by fitting their own, new, 1500 cc pushrod engine in place of the earlier 1200 engine, to provide a healthy power boost, with a claimed output of 72 bhp and near 100 mph performance. The model also received disc brakes at the front and a light restyle which provided a lower bonnet line and slimmer, wider radiator grille. In 1965, this revised offering received a 5-speed gearbox and servo assistance for the brakes. The car continued in production for a further year, by which time it is believed around 34,000 Cabriolets of both engine sizes had been manufactured.

This smart black convertible was built in 1963 and delivered new in Italy, where it appears to have had just 3 owners prior to its purchase by UK specialist importer – Mr Speedlux, Sussex – in 2014. Before leaving Italy it had major restoration works which included an engine rebuild/refurbishment; bare metal repaint and the interior re-upholstered. On import, it had 42,848 kms recorded. For the next 10 years it was then in the hands of a single UK owner, who used the car sparingly but actively, keeping it maintained and completing some further improvements.