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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Fiat 500 C Barchetta

1949Coachwork by Colli

THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE

Model dossier

Manufacturer
Fiat
Base model
500 C Barchetta Colli
Coachbuilder
Colli
Production period
1949
Body style
Barchetta

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.

09 / PERIOD ARCHIVE

Period photographs & advertising

THE CONVERSATION

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