THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Production period
- 1937
- Body style
- Spider
- Engine
- Inline-6
- Type
- Limited
- Displacement
- 1,493 cc
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAR
Coachbuilding, design & conversions
PRICE & SALES RECORD
Vehicle value
- Original price
- Not documented
- Latest recorded sale
- Not documented
01 / THE STORY
History & context
The Fiat 1500 Spider (1937) was coachbuilt by Balbo. Developed during a period characterized by a growing interest in sporty designs, the Fiat 1500 Spider Balbo emerged as a significant model in the automotive landscape of its time. The coachbuilding process involved meticulous attention to proportions and construction methods, reflecting the stylistic trends of the late 1930s while emphasizing streamlined aesthetics. Mechanically, the Fiat 1500 Spider was powered by an inline-four engine, contributing to its spirited performance. The chassis was based on Fiat’s established engineering principles, designed to accommodate a lightweight body that enhanced agility and driving dynamics. The suspension system utilized conventional configurations of the era, ensuring a balance between comfort and sportiness. Production data for the Fiat 1500 Spider Balbo is limited, with specific chassis numbering not widely documented. However, surviving examples are noted in private collections, which provide valuable reference points for researchers of automotive history and coachbuilding. This model was presented at various exhibitions, showcasing the craftsmanship of Balbo and the innovation of Fiat during a pivotal time in automotive design. Documentation indicates that the Fiat 1500 Spider Balbo remains an important subject of study for those interested in the evolution of postwar coachbuilding. Surviving examples are recorded in private collections and institutional archives, providing reference for researchers of postwar coachbuilding.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production type
- Limited
Engine & performance
- Engine configuration
- Inline-6
- Displacement
- 1,493 cc
- Transmission
- Manual 4-speed
- Drive
- Rear-wheel drive
- Specification notes
- Source-backed donor/model-level baseline for Fiat 1500 A–E (1935–1950): Inline-6, 1493 cc, 4-speed manual, rear-wheel drive. Power output varied across series and special bodies; horsepower, body dimensions, weight and maximum speed are intentionally not inherited.
Design & manufacture
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Balbo
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Fiat
06 / EVENTS & AWARDS
Events & awards
No events or documented awards are currently recorded for this vehicle.
07 / THE VEHICLE IN DETAIL
Photo gallery 1 photographs
08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE
Archive
References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.
| Reference | Source type |
|---|---|
| Automobile-Catalog — Fiat 1500 A-E specifications www.automobile-catalog.com | Specialist technical reference |











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