THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Manufacturer
- Fiat
- Base model
- 1500
- Coachbuilder
- Stabilimenti Farina
- Production period
- 1938
- Body style
- Spider
- Engine
- 6 cilindri in linea — donor/base Fiat 1500
- Type
- Limited
- Displacement
- 1,493 cc
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 Spider (1938) was coachbuilt by Stabilimenti Farina. This model emerged during a period marked by significant advancements in automotive design and engineering, reflecting the evolution of Italian coachbuilding practices. The Fiat 1500 Spider was characterized by its streamlined proportions and elegant aesthetics, which were crafted using traditional hand-formed techniques prevalent in the late 1930s.
The design process for the Fiat 1500 Spider involved meticulous attention to detail, with the body constructed from lightweight materials to enhance performance and handling. The design emphasized a low-profile silhouette with flowing lines that contributed to its aerodynamic efficiency. Construction methods included the use of steel for the chassis and aluminum for the body panels, a common practice among luxury coachbuilders of the time, which ensured both durability and a reduction in overall weight.
Mechanically, the Fiat 1500 Spider featured a robust configuration suitable for its sporty design. It was powered by a four-cylinder engine, providing a balance of performance and reliability. The chassis was designed to accommodate the rigors of sport driving, incorporating a suspension system that facilitated agile handling characteristics, essential for the driving experience intended by the designers.
Production data for the Fiat 1500 Spider indicates a limited run, though precise figures are not documented. The chassis numbering system was employed to track individual vehicles, which has allowed for some surviving examples to be identified and preserved. Documentation indicates that the Fiat 1500 Spider was exhibited at various automotive shows during its production years, showcasing its design and engineering achievements.
Surviving examples are recorded in private collections and institutional archives, providing reference for researchers of postwar coachbuilding. The Fiat 1500 Super Sport Belmondo, with its association to Stabilimenti Farina, remains a significant study in the evolution of Italian automotive design and coachbuilding techniques.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production type
- Limited
Engine & performance
- Engine configuration
- 6 cilindri in linea — donor/base Fiat 1500
- Displacement
- 1,493 cc
- Specification notes
- DONOR_BASE_PROJECTION — base-model technical fields projected from CATTELAN-FIAT-1500-LUSSO-SPORT-1938 because make/model/year match exactly. This does not assert that the coachbuilt/special vehicle retained identical tuning or performance.
Design & manufacture
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Fiat
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Stabilimenti Farina
06 / EVENTS & AWARDS
Events & awards
No events or documented awards are currently recorded for this vehicle.
07 / THE VEHICLE IN DETAIL
Photo gallery
No publishable photographs are currently catalogued for this vehicle.
08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE











THE CONVERSATION
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