Skip to content
THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Fiat 1100 A Cabriolet Balbo

1948Coachwork by Balbo

THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE

Model dossier

Production period
1948
Body style
Cabriolet
Engine
Inline-4
Type
Limited

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 1100 A Cabriolet Balbo is a charming example of post-war Italian automotive craftsmanship, showcasing the expertise of Carrozzeria Balbo in creating elegant yet practical designs. Built on the versatile Fiat 1100 A chassis, this small cabriolet was produced in limited numbers, embodying the bespoke nature of coachbuilding during that period. It made its public debut at the 1948 Turin Auto Salon, where it captivated audiences with its refined styling and compact proportions. Carrozzeria Balbo, renowned for its skillful and creative bodywork, tailored the Fiat 1100 A Cabriolet to meet the growing demand for stylish, open-top vehicles in the late 1940s. The cabriolet featured clean, flowing lines and a graceful silhouette that emphasized simplicity and understated elegance. Its design reflected the optimism and innovation of the era, with a focus on providing an accessible yet luxurious driving experience for post-war motorists. The interior of the Fiat 1100 A Cabriolet was crafted with attention to detail, combining practicality with a touch of sophistication. Comfortable seating, high-quality materials, and a well-laid-out dashboard made it an inviting space for driver and passenger alike. The open-top configuration allowed for an engaging driving experience, blending the joy of motoring with the freedom of the outdoors. Underneath its attractive bodywork, the cabriolet retained the reliable and efficient mechanical components of the Fiat 1100 A. The 1.1-liter four-cylinder engine provided a balance of performance and fuel efficiency, making the car suitable for both city driving and longer journeys. Its chassis, known for its robust construction and nimble handling, ensured that the car delivered a smooth and enjoyable ride. Although produced in small numbers, the Fiat 1100 A Cabriolet Balbo remains a symbol of Italy’s coachbuilding heritage and the ingenuity of Carrozzeria Balbo. Its debut at the 1948 Turin Auto Salon marked it as a standout example of post-war automotive design, earning admiration for its blend of elegance, functionality, and timeless appeal. Today, surviving examples of this rare cabriolet are treasured by collectors as a testament to the artistry of Italian coachbuilding.

02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY

Specifications & construction

Production & construction

Production type
Limited

Engine & performance

Engine configuration
Inline-4

Design & manufacture

Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
Balbo
Designer · Candidate
Mario Revelli di Beaumont
Manufacturer · Documented
Fiat

06 / EVENTS & AWARDS

Events & awards

31° Salone Internazionale dell'Automobile – Torino General · legacy_preserved
Date
1948
Chassis
General

Preserved CI 1.0 relation. Evidence field: _yoast_wpseo_primary_events. No award inferred.

Torino General · From the historical archive
Date
1948
Chassis
General

08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE

Archive

References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.

ReferenceSource type
Archivio Storico Michelotti — elenco vetture www.archiviostoricomichelotti.it Designer archive

10 / CONNECTED HISTORY

Timeline

Chronological history2 dated records
  1. Unassigned chassis · Event

    Torino

THE CONVERSATION

Comments 0

Share a memory, a period photograph or a documented detail about this car.

Join the conversation