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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Fiat 6C 1500 Cabriolet Balbo

1948Coachwork by Balbo

Fiat 6C 1500 Cabriolet Balbo

THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE

Model dossier

Manufacturer
Fiat
Base model
1500 Cabriolet
Coachbuilder
Balbo
Production period
1948
Body style
Cabriolet

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 Cabriolet Balbo exemplifies the dynamic period of post-war automotive design, encapsulating a blend of nostalgic elegance and innovative touches. Built in 1948 by the esteemed Carrozzeria Balbo, this two-seater cabriolet utilized the Fiat 6C 1500 chassis, a platform that provided both reliability and versatility. One of the most striking features of this cabriolet is its design, which harks back to the pre-war aesthetic while incorporating unique elements that make it distinct. The waved sideline, a signature of classic car design, gives the vehicle a fluid and graceful appearance, evoking a sense of movement even when stationary. This retro styling choice was a deliberate nod to the elegance of the past, a comforting reminder of stability and sophistication in an era marked by rapid change and uncertainty. The grille of the Fiat 1500 Cabriolet Balbo further exemplifies the transitional nature of this period. It showcases a curious T motif, caught in a design limbo between vertical and horizontal orientations. This indecision reflects the broader uncertainties of the time, where designers and engineers were exploring new directions while still being influenced by traditional styles. The T motif on the grille is not just a visual curiosity but a symbolic representation of a world at a crossroads, balancing the familiarity of the past with the possibilities of the future. Carrozzeria Balbo’s craftsmanship is evident in every detail of this cabriolet. From the meticulously crafted bodywork to the luxurious interior, the Fiat 1500 Cabriolet Balbo exemplifies the high standards of Italian coachbuilding. It is a vehicle that offers more than just transport; it provides an experience, a journey back in time to an era where design was about more than just function, but about making a statement.

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
Gearbox
Manual 4-speed
Drivetrain
RWD

03 / DESIGN, BODY & SUPPLIERS

Design, body & suppliers

Design & manufacture

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

Body form & construction

Body style
Cabriolet

04 / EVENTS & CHRONOLOGY

Events & chronology

No events or documented awards are currently recorded for this vehicle.

09 / PERIOD ARCHIVE

Period photographs & advertising

THE CONVERSATION

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