1965 FIAT 1500 CABRIOLET

This 1965 Fiat 1500 Cabriolet is a cosmetically restored example of the gorgeous Pininfarina-designed two-seater convertible. Powered by a 1.5-litre, naturally aspirated inline-four pushrod engine, the odometer indicates just 65,714 miles.

A UK-supplied car, the vehicle was first registered on 15 March 1965 and delivered new to a Ms Doran. The car then passed on to the second owner, Mr Smyth – a motor engineer – before coming into the vendor’s ownership during 2011 as their first classic car. It is reported that the previous owner enjoyed travelling across Europe behind the wheel of this elegant 1500 Cabriolet, which is exactly what these cars were intended for.

During 2011, the Fiat was fully stripped of its original paintwork and resprayed by Paint Shop Pros. The results speak for themselves, with the cream finish now in fantastic condition throughout, with only very minor age-related marks and stone chips as you would expect to find on 10-year-old paint. During the vendor’s ownership, the car has always been kept garaged and used as a weekend cruiser, thereby helping to maintain the excellent condition.

The chrome bumpers and trim generally present very well, with only some minor pitting and patina present on the bumper in particular. The vendor also notes that they have a set of new-old-stock chrome hubcaps.

Inside, the previous owner had the seats and carpet re-trimmed, which turned back the clock on this little Cabriolet’s interior. The seating is starting to show some minor signs of ageing and wear now, though the door cards and dashboard are in excellent condition, with no signs of sun bleaching or warping. The metal trims in the cabin are believed to be all original, and present with a smart patina. The folding soft top was replaced with a new item by the previous owner, and presents in great condition with no tears, rips or cracks in the plastic windows.

The vendor notes that the car appears to have some electrical issues with regards to the interior dials and gauges. They suspect that this is down to a bad earth or other minor issue, but recommend that it is taken care of by an experienced auto electrician.

During the vendor’s ownership, the car has been regularly fettled and maintained, by the second motor engineer owner in particular, so there is no formal service history. However, it is reported to start, run, and drive very well, with no issues reported with the clutch or gearbox. While the brake pistons are sticking somewhat after a period of no use, the shoes seem sound and the vendor reports that braking system is fundamentally still working.

For touring purposes, the previous owner had a switchable LPG tank installed, which gives the car greater range if continental road trips are back on the agenda. If not, then this ancillary setup could be easily removed.

An ideal summer weekend car, this charming little Fiat 1500 Cabriolet needs just a little TLC to bring it back to its best, but is an excellent base for some further fettling. With those stunning Pininfarina lines and the raspy 1500 engine, this is a usable 1960s convertible and could be a great ‘first step’ into the world of Italian classics.

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