Chassis: 118S 006540
Engine: 118.000 002958
Original Engine No. shown on FIAT identification plate: 118.000 002685
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Brakes: Four-wheel drums
Specification: U.S.-market
This 1960 Fiat 1500 OSCA Cabriolet is an early U.S.-specification example featuring Pinin Farina coachwork and the OSCA-designed 1.5-liter twin-cam four-cylinder engine. Early cars such as this example were equipped with four-wheel drum brakes before the adoption of front disc brakes on later versions.
The car has been owned by the current owner for more than 15 years. It was previously located in California and was purchased by the current owner from a sports-car dealership in Montana.
The original FIAT identification plate identifies the car as chassis 118S 006540 and records its original engine as 118.000 002685. The original engine is no longer installed. The car is currently powered by 118.000 engine 002958, a correct-type Fiat/OSCA engine from the same engine series. The car is not represented as matching-numbers.
The current owner is a longtime Fiat and OSCA enthusiast who has owned and restored several Fiat-OSCA automobiles. During his ownership, the objective has been to preserve the car's original configuration and character rather than modify or cosmetically restore it.
The fuel, cooling and ignition systems have received attention during the current ownership, together with routine mechanical maintenance. This work has been directed toward reliability while maintaining the car's period configuration.
The car currently starts, runs, drives, shifts and stops very well.
A particularly notable feature of this example is its structural condition. The floors, rocker panels, fenders, trunk and spare-wheel well remain remarkably solid for an open Italian automobile of this age. The trunk retains its mat, jack and spare wheel. Localized surface corrosion, paint deterioration and other age-related imperfections are present and visible in the photographs.
The exterior is finished in red and retains its chrome bumpers and overriders, exterior brightwork, steel wheels with FIAT hubcaps, hood scoop and other period trim. The paint and brightwork show age and use consistent with the overall preserved condition of the automobile.
The black-and-red interior retains its period-style dashboard, instrumentation, switchgear and wood-rimmed steering wheel. The upholstery, carpeting and trim show age and wear and would benefit from cosmetic attention.
No convertible top is included with the car. The fitted convertible-top boot/cover appears to be an original or period piece and remains in excellent condition. Replacement convertible tops are readily available for this model and can be fitted if desired. During the current ownership, a new top was intentionally not installed, as doing so was considered inconsistent with the otherwise preserved and substantially original presentation of the car.
The 1500 OSCA was one of Fiat's more technically interesting sports cars of the period. Its twin-overhead-camshaft engine was developed in cooperation with O.S.C.A. (Officine Specializzate per la Costruzione Automobili), the Bologna manufacturer founded by the Maserati brothers after their departure from Maserati. The Cabriolet body was styled and produced by Pinin Farina.
This example remains substantially complete and unmodified and combines a correct-series OSCA engine with unusually sound original structure. It can be driven and enjoyed in its present condition, selectively preserved and improved, or used as a solid and complete basis for restoration.
1960 Fiat 1500 OSCA Cabriolet
Pinin Farina coachwork
Early Tipo 118S U.S.-market specification
Chassis 118S 006540
1.5-liter OSCA twin-cam four-cylinder
Correct-series replacement engine 118.000 002958
Original engine 118.000 002685 documented on FIAT identification plate
Four-speed manual transmission
Four-wheel drum brakes
More than 15 years of current enthusiast ownership
Previous California history
Runs, drives, shifts and stops very well
Fuel, cooling and ignition systems maintained for reliable operation
Remarkably solid floors, rockers, fenders and trunk structure
Substantially complete and unmodified
Steel wheels with FIAT hubcaps
Period/original-appearing convertible-top boot in excellent condition
Convertible top not included
Replacement tops readily available
Spare wheel and jack
Older driver-quality cosmetic condition with considerable period character
Suitable for continued use, preservation or restoration
Chassis: 118S 006540
Engine: 118.000 002958
Original Engine No. shown on FIAT identification plate: 118.000 002685
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Brakes: Four-wheel drums
Specification: U.S.-market
This 1960 Fiat 1500 OSCA Cabriolet is an early U.S.-specification example featuring Pinin Farina coachwork and the OSCA-designed 1.5-liter twin-cam four-cylinder engine. Early cars such as this example were equipped with four-wheel drum brakes before the adoption of front disc brakes on later versions.
The car has been owned by the current owner for more than 15 years. It was previously located in California and was purchased by the current owner from a sports-car dealership in Montana.
The original FIAT identification plate identifies the car as chassis 118S 006540 and records its original engine as 118.000 002685. The original engine is no longer installed. The car is currently powered by 118.000 engine 002958, a correct-type Fiat/OSCA engine from the same engine series. The car is not represented as matching-numbers.
The current owner is a longtime Fiat and OSCA enthusiast who has owned and restored several Fiat-OSCA automobiles. During his ownership, the objective has been to preserve the car's original configuration and character rather than modify or cosmetically restore it.
The fuel, cooling and ignition systems have received attention during the current ownership, together with routine mechanical maintenance. This work has been directed toward reliability while maintaining the car's period configuration.
The car currently starts, runs, drives, shifts and stops very well.
A particularly notable feature of this example is its structural condition. The floors, rocker panels, fenders, trunk and spare-wheel well remain remarkably solid for an open Italian automobile of this age. The trunk retains its mat, jack and spare wheel. Localized surface corrosion, paint deterioration and other age-related imperfections are present and visible in the photographs.
The exterior is finished in red and retains its chrome bumpers and overriders, exterior brightwork, steel wheels with FIAT hubcaps, hood scoop and other period trim. The paint and brightwork show age and use consistent with the overall preserved condition of the automobile.
The black-and-red interior retains its period-style dashboard, instrumentation, switchgear and wood-rimmed steering wheel. The upholstery, carpeting and trim show age and wear and would benefit from cosmetic attention.
No convertible top is included with the car. The fitted convertible-top boot/cover appears to be an original or period piece and remains in excellent condition. Replacement convertible tops are readily available for this model and can be fitted if desired. During the current ownership, a new top was intentionally not installed, as doing so was considered inconsistent with the otherwise preserved and substantially original presentation of the car.
The 1500 OSCA was one of Fiat's more technically interesting sports cars of the period. Its twin-overhead-camshaft engine was developed in cooperation with O.S.C.A. (Officine Specializzate per la Costruzione Automobili), the Bologna manufacturer founded by the Maserati brothers after their departure from Maserati. The Cabriolet body was styled and produced by Pinin Farina.
This example remains substantially complete and unmodified and combines a correct-series OSCA engine with unusually sound original structure. It can be driven and enjoyed in its present condition, selectively preserved and improved, or used as a solid and complete basis for restoration.
1960 Fiat 1500 OSCA Cabriolet
Pinin Farina coachwork
Early Tipo 118S U.S.-market specification
Chassis 118S 006540
1.5-liter OSCA twin-cam four-cylinder
Correct-series replacement engine 118.000 002958
Original engine 118.000 002685 documented on FIAT identification plate
Four-speed manual transmission
Four-wheel drum brakes
More than 15 years of current enthusiast ownership
Previous California history
Runs, drives, shifts and stops very well
Fuel, cooling and ignition systems maintained for reliable operation
Remarkably solid floors, rockers, fenders and trunk structure
Substantially complete and unmodified
Steel wheels with FIAT hubcaps
Period/original-appearing convertible-top boot in excellent condition
Convertible top not included
Replacement tops readily available
Spare wheel and jack
Older driver-quality cosmetic condition with considerable period character
Suitable for continued use, preservation or restoration
