Fiat 1500 Spider Vignale

The Fiat 1500 Spider designed by Carrozzeria Vignale was first presented at the 1962 Turin Auto Salon. Based on the Fiat 1300/1500 mechanical platform, the model represented an attempt to offer an open-top variant with modified bodywork while retaining the standard drivetrain and layout. The body design, attributed to Giovanni Michelotti, followed the stylistic approach common to Vignale during the period, with clean surfaces, limited decorative elements, and a focus on proportions that aligned with the compact dimensions of the base vehicle. The frontal treatment featured rectangular headlamp units integrated into slightly projecting front fenders, with a wide horizontal grille spanning the width of the front fascia. The rear section of the body showed a tendency toward vertical design elements, including flat tail surfaces, in contrast to the increasingly curved forms typical of competing models. This particular car was equipped with steel wheels and standard Fiat hubcaps, indicating no significant departure from the technical configuration of the production sedan. The interior followed conventional arrangements, though the prototype displayed at the Salon featured a passenger seat with an integrated headrest, noted as an uncommon detail at the time. The passenger compartment was designed for two occupants, with folding roof equipment consistent with other Fiat convertibles of similar class. At the time of its unveiling, the car was announced as destined for limited series production, though the exact volume and final specification remained undetermined.