THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Manufacturer
- Fiat
- Base model
- 1500 Cabriolet
- Coachbuilder
- Balbo
- Production period
- 1948
- Body style
- Cabriolet
- Designer
- Mario Revelli di Beaumont
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.
08 / GALLERY
Photo gallery
No publishable photographs are currently catalogued for this vehicle.
09 / PERIOD ARCHIVE
Period photographs & advertising
The period archive gallery will show historical photographs, advertisements, brochures and press images once assets, provenance and usage rights have been recorded in the masterfile.













THE CONVERSATION
Comments 0
Share a memory, a period photograph or a documented detail about this car.