Fiat 508 Balilla Cabriolet Ametista

The Fiat 508 Balilla Cabriolet Ametista was a coachbuilt variant constructed circa 1933–1934 on the Fiat 508B chassis. It was executed by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, under the direction of designer Giuseppe Seregni. The model is recognized as a limited-production or possibly one-off example, outside Fiat’s factory catalogue, and is distinguished from standard 508 Cabriolet variants by its distinctive bodywork and likely bespoke interior execution. The mechanical basis for the “Ametista” was the Fiat 508B, an evolution of the 508A introduced in 1932. The 508B featured a 995 cc inline four-cylinder side-valve engine producing approximately 24 to 30 horsepower, depending on carburetion and tuning. The engine was paired with a manual gearbox—initially three-speed, upgraded to four-speed on later chassis. Power was delivered to the rear wheels. The suspension system used semi-elliptic leaf springs at both front and rear, and hydraulic drum brakes were fitted at all four corners. The vehicle adhered to a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. The bodywork attributed to Touring featured a cabriolet configuration with a manually folding fabric roof. The external design emphasized flowing wing lines, a low-profile windscreen, modest chrome detailing, and well-integrated running boards. The styling bore Touring’s signature restraint and balance, in contrast to the more utilitarian appearance of factory-built 508 Cabriolets. Interior configuration likely accommodated two primary occupants, with limited occasional seating in the rear. The upholstery was presumed to be finished in leather or leatherette, with a wood-veneered dashboard and simplified instrumentation. The precise production volume of the “Ametista” variant is unrecorded. It is generally believed that no more than one example was built, possibly as a design study or display car. No production series followed. The name “Ametista” may have referred to the exterior colour or a one-off commission identifier rather than a formal model designation. Chassis and engine numbers specific to this variant are not published. The vehicle appeared in period imagery from Milan in 1934. Subsequent ownership history is undocumented, and its present status is unknown.