1937 Fiat 1500 Cabriolet by Ghia

1937 Fiat 1500 Cabriolet by Ghia

The FIAT 1500 was an all-new design that was first shown to the public at the Milan Motor Show in November 1935. Automotive engineers had begun to pay greater attention to aerodynamic considerations and the 1500 was an outstanding example of this newly acquired knowledge applied to passenger car design. Developed in a wind tunnel, the 1500's striking-looking body featured a raked back radiator grille intended to reduce aerodynamic drag, though this would be replaced by a more conventional, upright grille in 1940, no doubt at the dictates of fashion. Beneath the skin there was a tubular backbone chassis boasting independent front suspension, the latter making its first appearance on a FIAT car. The 1500's engine was a 1,493cc overhead-valve six that shared its 65x75mm bore/stroke dimensions with the contemporary four-cylinder Tipo 508 and produced a maximum of 45bhp, which was transmitted to the rear wheels via a four-speed gearbox. Top speed was in the region of 70mph. The 1500 was also manufactured after WW2 and by the time the model was deleted in 1948 some 42,500 had been produced.

This FIAT offered open models as well as the standard saloon, and the 1500 chassis was popular with independent coachbuilders, that offered here featuring convertible coachwork by Carrozzeria Ghia of Turin. Carrozzeria Ghia had been founded by Giacinto Ghia in 1919, soon establishing a reputation not just for luxury coachwork but also for bodying competition cars. Despite its founder's death in 1944 and wartime damage to the factory, Ghia resumed its place at the forefront of Italian coachbuilding after WW2, providing the training ground for many of Italy's rising-star designers: Michelotti, Boano, Frua and Savonuzzi all making a contribution to its continuing success.

Descriptions & pictures by bonhams