1959 Fiat 1200 TV Convertible

Fiat introduced their 1100-103 in 1953 (the 103 was in reference to its project number). Called by Fiat 'Trasformabile' (Italian for convertible), it is considered the work of Fiat's design director Fabio Luigi Rapi. It was given a divided mesh grille in the front, a wrap-around windshield, and a forward-leaning stance. Trasformabiles were soon given the Turismo Veloce (fast touring) engine. Other features included roll-up windows and an adjustable steering wheel.

This particular 1200TV Roadster came into the care of its current owner in 1982, who had it promptly shipped to their home, at the time in Israel. It is an original U.S. delivered car with its odometer in miles. In the mid-1980s, it was shipped to Milan, Italy where it was restored over the course of a year and then brought back to New York, around 1987. In recent years, it has been refurbished with a few details such as door handles; the trunk push button has been re-chromed. It is powered by a 1221cc overhead valve four-cylinder engine fitted with 2 Twin-Throat Weber carburetors offering approximately 55 horse. There is a four-speed manual transmission, independent suspension setup, front disc brakes, and rear drum brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2016