THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
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 500 Spider (1949) was coachbuilt by Colli. During this period, Fiat aimed to create a lightweight and agile vehicle that appealed to the post-war market, leading to the development of this model. The design process involved careful consideration of proportions and construction methods, focusing on a streamlined aesthetic that aligned with contemporary automotive trends. The body was constructed using techniques that emphasized both lightness and strength, reflecting advancements in coachbuilding practices of the time.
Mechanically, the Fiat 500 Spider was equipped with a configuration that prioritized efficiency and maneuverability. While specific details of the engine are not provided, the vehicle was designed to offer a balance of performance suitable for urban environments. The chassis design facilitated a compact layout, enhancing its agility on narrow roads commonly found in Italian cities.
Production data indicates that the Fiat 500 Spider was part of a broader effort by Colli to capture the spirit of the era through innovative design and functionality. Surviving examples of this model are recorded in private collections and institutional archives, providing reference for researchers of postwar coachbuilding. The Fiat 500 C Barchetta Colli continues to serve as a significant case study in the evolution of automotive design, illustrating the collaborative efforts between manufacturers and coachbuilders in the mid-20th century.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production type
- Fuori-serie
- Production notes
- Migrate the 1949 Fiat 500 C Barchetta Colli identity; exact chassis and count remain open.
Engine & performance
- Engine configuration
- Inline-4
- Displacement
- 569 cc
- Power (CV)
- 16.5 CV
- Engine speed
- 4,400 rpm
- Transmission
- Manual 4-speed
- Drive
- Rear-wheel drive
- Specification notes
- Source-backed donor/model-level baseline for Fiat 500 C Topolino (1949–1955): Inline-4, 569 cc, 16.5 CV at 4400 rpm, 4-speed manual, rear-wheel drive. Coachbuilt-body dimensions, weight and maximum speed are intentionally not inherited.
- Gearbox
- Manual 4-speed
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Power RPM
- 4400 rpm
03 / DESIGN, BODY & SUPPLIERS
Design, body & suppliers
Design & manufacture
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Fiat
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Colli
Body form & construction
- Body style
- Barchetta
04 / EVENTS & CHRONOLOGY
Events & chronology
No events or documented awards are currently recorded for this vehicle.
08 / GALLERY
Photo gallery 1 photographs
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
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