Registration – FNB 438C

Chassis No. – 026386

M.O.T. – Exempt

Odometer – 67,045KM (41,659M)

The Pininfarina designed Fiat 1500 Cabriolet is a very rare sight on UK roads. ‘FNB438C’ is a remarkable survivor and offers a superb provenance to boot. The first three keepers accounted for the first 58 years of this diminutive coupe’s life. The first owner has it imported directly from Fiat in Italy in 1965 making it UK registered from new. The first keeper kept ‘FNB438C’ until 2003, remarkably. The current vendor is listed as the fifth to date. ‘FNB438C’ is reported as having been sparing used throughout its life making its currently recorded 67,045kms an entirely feasible original reading. ‘FNB438C’ was fully resprayed in 2014 and underwent a full recommissioning in 2021 with both the aesthetics and mechanicals refreshed. Today ‘FNB438C’ is classified as an Historic Vehicle and so is zero rated for road tax and MOT exempt. This little Fiat last passed an MOT in June 2023, however.

The Fiat 1500 Cabriolet was introduced when the original 1200 version was deemed too pedestrian to be considered a sports car in the Italian tradition. The 1500cc, four cylinder, alloy headed unit was inherited from the 1500 saloon and delivered around 80 bhp. A four speed manual gearbox is fitted. During its 2021 recommissioning a replacement brake master cylinder was fitted, together with a radiator top hose. A full service was undertaken, and the underside was treated with rust inhibitor. A brand new set of Michelin tyres have also recently been fitted. The vendor rates the mechanical aspects of ‘FNB438C’ as “excellent.”

With a professional respray in 2014 the white livery looks crisp and clean. There is a moderate amount of chrome finished brightwork in evidence to include the bumpers, matrix grill, headlamp surrounds and make and model badges. The steel wheels are dressed in chromed, dome shaped Fiat hubcaps and the red fabric hood contrasts elegantly with this livery. The big rear window appears clear an uncracked. The sports orientated cabin is finished in various hues of red with the seats being more of an oxblood whilst the door cards and carpets are nearer a scarlet shade. The dashboard is an architype of 1960’s Italian charm, style and sophistication. The vendor rates the paintwork, bodywork and interior as “good.”

In summary:

• A rare and stylish Fiat cabriolet with an excellent provenance
• Subject to a 2014 respray and a 2021 recommissioning
• Reported to be an excellent runner with everything working as it should (except the radio)