THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Production period
- 1960
- Body style
- Cabriolet
- Type
- Fuori-serie
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
In the vibrant automotive landscape of the late 1950s, the Turin Auto Salon of 1959 witnessed the grand unveiling of the Fiat 1800 Cabriolet Monterosa, a testament to the company’s ambitious foray into car manufacturing. Driven by the aspiration to craft their own automotive legacy, the Monterosa 600 emerged as a notable creation, drawing inspiration from the Fiat 600. The Monterosa 600 manifested in three distinctive iterations, showcasing the company’s versatility and commitment to diversity in their offerings. The lineup comprised a 2+2 Sport Coupé, presenting a blend of style and performance. Notably, this variant was available with Abarth and Stanguellini engines, catering to enthusiasts seeking heightened driving experiences. Alongside the sporty variant, the Monterosa 600 also featured a standard saloon, delivering practicality and accessibility to a broader market. For those with a penchant for luxury, the Lusso saloon was introduced, adorned with lavish chrome accents that elevated its aesthetic appeal. Production of the Monterosa 600 spanned from approximately 1959 to 1961, marking a significant chapter in the company’s history. In addition to this iconic model, the company explored other avenues within the automotive realm. In 1958, an estate model based on the Fiat 1100 was introduced, showcasing the brand’s commitment to expanding its product range. Concurrently, a subtly refined Appia emerged in the same year, demonstrating the company’s dedication to refining and enhancing existing models. The year 1959 witnessed the unveiling of the Fiat 1800 Cabriolet Monterosa, a stunning creation designed by the renowned Michelotti. This convertible masterpiece added a touch of glamour to the company’s portfolio, further solidifying its position in the competitive automotive market. However, despite these achievements, the company faced challenges, and by 1961, it regrettably closed its doors. In its final years, a proposal for a Fiat 1500 Coupé in 1960 hinted at the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation, leaving a legacy that echoes in the annals of automotive history.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production type
- Fuori-serie
Design & manufacture
- Designer · Documented
- Giovanni Michelotti
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Fiat
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Monterosa
06 / EVENTS & AWARDS
Events & awards
41° Salone Internazionale dell'Automobile – Torino General · legacy_preserved
- Date
- 1959
- Chassis
- General
Preserved CI 1.0 relation. Evidence field: _yoast_wpseo_primary_events. No award inferred.
Torino General · From the historical archive
- Date
- 1959
- Chassis
- General
07 / THE VEHICLE IN DETAIL
Photo gallery 2 photographs
08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE
Archive
References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.
| Reference | Source type |
|---|---|
| Vita di Stile — Storia della Carrozzeria Monterosa www.vitadistile.com | Independent coachbuilder history |
| Story Cars — 1959 Fiat 1800 Cabriolet by Monterosa www.story-cars.com | Secondary vehicle history |













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