Although MG, Triumph and Austin Healey dominated the U.S. market for affordable sports cars in the 1950s and 1960s, the Italians imported a few stylish offerings, too. Mainly Alfa Romeo and Fiat come to mind, with a sprinkling of Lancias. While Alfa might have had more of a performance image, the beautifully proportioned Fiats reminded us of Marcello Mastroianni and Sophia Loren, lightheartedly enjoying La dolce vita.

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Since in Italy -- just like in most European countries -- taxation was dependent upon engine size and voluminous power plants were severely penalized, the mid-century old-world mantra was to get maximum performance out of the smallest package. Naturally, these little cars were quite astute performers, even when not "hopped up" by specialist garages like Abarth, Stanguellini, or OSCA.

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Built from 1957 on in various body styles, the Fiat 1200 Spider convertible was restyled in 1959 and given a new, Pininfarina-designed body with similarities to Ferrari's 250 GT PF Coupe. The 1200 Spider (Cabriolet) sold for $2,595, which made it rather popular in the American sports-car market, especially in sunny Southern California. Production of the Spider continued with few changes through March 1963 when it was replaced by the 1500.

Carefully assembled by Fiat's Vetture Speciali ("special cars") unit, the Spider was a quality product, lavishly trimmed with chrome, a far cry from the austere micro-minis -- like the Cinquecento -- the factory churned out by the millions.

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The exciting survivor presented here was bought new in 1962, and found its way to California a decade later, remaining with its original owner until a few months ago. Now 92 years old, the Fiat's caretaker for the past 52 years was just not able to give his pride and joy the attention it deserves anymore and thus reluctantly decided to let it go. A lifetime's worth of books, manuals, records and handwritten notes accompany the Spider, illuminating its history. According to its owner (and various maintenance receipts), the 73,866 miles shown on the odometer constitute the car's actual mileage.

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The Fiat, lovingly called "Oscar" by its owner, still wears its vintage California 6-digit blue-and-gold license plates.
Now, let's get serious and inspect the car thoroughly.

Few automobiles of the swinging Sixties had as many rust issues as Alfa Romeos and FIATs. Lacking thorough corrosion protection from the factory, most of these cars were eaten alive by the dreaded rust worm, decades ago. Most of those who somehow survived had to undergo major metal surgery, especially on their underbelly. This knowledge will make you truly appreciate the fact that Oscar has never suffered any rust-through. His undercarriage is as good as it gets. Just the exhaust pipe sports an amateurish repair. Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)

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Above photos showing this Spider's undercarriage in more detail. Make sure you enlarge them to their full size for an XXL-sized view.

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FIAT'S Pininfarina coachwork is all super-solid metal. A $1,400 receipt from R&B Auto Body in Grover Beach for a repaint in the attractive -- and matching -- period Robin's Egg Blue color accompanies the car; however, it was a B-Grade job at best, with quite a few dings and touched-up spots in evidence. There's no body rust or any bubbling, mind you, but Oscar's definitely a 10-footer.
Thankfully, the Fiat still features its original steel wheels with narrow chrome trim rings and poverty caps.

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Black pinpoint vinyl convertible top was installed only a couple of years ago to the tune of $546.81 and remains in fabulous condition. It goes up and down effortlessly.

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Engine compartment looks bone stock and tidy, even still showing the original oil-bath air cleaner. In 1960, the Fiat's inline 4-cylinder was given a boost, the 1221cc engine now achieving 63 horsepower, which is more than a contemporary Porsche 356B Dame had to offer! Original owner always kept up with his pride and joy's maintenance needs.

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Let's have a good look at the Fiat's interior now. Note black tonneau cover with zipper in the center, a very practical touch.

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Cockpit presents refreshingly original. Pininfarina design provenance is in full evidence. This Spider really is Ferrari's little brother!

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Gauges and switchgear look to be well-preserved, and they all seem to work. The steering wheel is in amazingly good condition. There's lots of chrome fittings and intricate details. Original AM radio still works. Ash tray is spring loaded!

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Stock bucket seats are very comfortable. Blue leatherette might be the original covering. Blue carpeting and rubber floor mats are definitely original. Check out the cool lap belts with chrome buckles.

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Fiat is a pure two-seater, with a decent-sized storage area behind the seats.

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Perfectly rust free battery box . . . hangin' out there in the wind for rust to attack!

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Ready for a test drive?
So are we, but before we take off, let's check out the trunk.

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Huge luggage compartment sports factory rubber mat.

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Underneath the mat: original cardboard tire cover, original spare.

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Left: Perfectly rust-free spare wheel well.
Right: Spare parts galore, factory tool kit.

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Tuesday, May 19, turned out to be a splendid Spring day here in our small mission town. With blue skies, no cloud in sight, and temperatures in the low 80s, we were ready to experience La dolce vita with this sweet California Spider.

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The car starts easily, idles well, and moves out strong. Shifting is very easy; first gear is a little noisy. We just installed new rubber brake hoses and wheel cylinders; the brakes are very good.

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Oscar sounds great and features a surprisingly comfortable suspension. He doesn't smoke or overheat. After a few minutes of re-adjusting ourselves to the way an Italian sports car from the 1950s wants to be driven, we keep up with traffic just fine and happily note: "Tutto e bene - this little Spider could be a fun daily driver!"

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Returning home, we are in awe of Oscar's capabilities. He's one classic that you don't see every day; actually, you might never encounter another '62 Fiat Spider, not even at the annual "Best of France and Italy" car show in Los Angeles.

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Rare and unusual, yet easy to maintain in fine running condition due to very good parts availability, this "Vetturi Speciali" FIAT is an affordable, exciting 1950s sports car that makes you stand out in any crowd. With unequalled "goodwill potential," it's a pleasant ride, indeed.
All Oscar needs now is another good soul to care for and love him - preferably for the next 52 years.

Take me to Californiaclassix' Home or the Showroom.