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
07 / THE VEHICLE IN DETAIL
Photo gallery 6 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 |
|---|---|
| Archivio Storico Michelotti — elenco vetture www.archiviostoricomichelotti.it | Designer archive |













THE CONVERSATION
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