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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Fiat 6C 1500 Cabriolet Balbo

1938Coachwork by Balbo

THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE

Model dossier

Manufacturer
Fiat
Base model
1500 Cabriolet
Coachbuilder
Balbo
Production period
1938
Body style
Cabriolet
Engine
Inline-6
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 6C Cabriolet Balbo, crafted in 1938, epitomizes the stylistic trends of its era. Reflecting the “ship’s nose” (Prua) design motif, its vertical grille seamlessly integrates with open horizontal grids in the lower section, a style popularized by American automakers such as Plymouth and Pontiac before making its way to Europe. Built on the sturdy Fiat 6C 1500 chassis, this cabriolet by Carrozzeria Balbo of Turin stands as a pioneering example of coachbuilding excellence. Balbo’s innovative approach allowed them to be among the first to create cabriolets based on this chassis, demonstrating their skill and foresight in adapting to emerging automotive trends. This particular Fiat 1500 6C Cabriolet Balbo is an elegant specimen, distinguished by its two-tone paint job, white wall tires, and abundant chrome accents. These features enhance its aesthetic appeal, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication to an already impressive vehicle. The combination of the solid Fiat chassis with Balbo’s craftsmanship results in a cabriolet that not only embodies the style of its time but also exudes quality and timeless elegance. It represents a convergence of American design influence and European craftsmanship, showcasing the global exchange of automotive ideas and aesthetics during the pre-war period. The Cabriolet Balbo is more than just a vehicle; it is a work of art that captures the essence of its era. Its stylish design, impeccable craftsmanship, and innovative features make it a standout example of automotive excellence from the late 1930s.

02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY

Specifications & construction

Production & construction

Production type
Limited

Engine & performance

Engine configuration
Inline-6
Displacement
1,493 cc
Transmission
Manual 4-speed
Drive
Rear-wheel drive

Design & manufacture

Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
Balbo
Manufacturer · Documented
Fiat

06 / EVENTS & AWARDS

Events & awards

No events or documented awards are currently recorded for this vehicle.

08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE

Archive

References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.

ReferenceSource type
Automobile-Catalog — Fiat 1500 A-E specifications www.automobile-catalog.com Specialist technical reference

THE CONVERSATION

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