1959 Fiat

Convertible

4 - Cyl.

Manual

Gasoline

I have for sale a very rare Fiat 1200 TV (Turismo Veloce) Spyder. The 1200cc Turismo Veloce followed a Production of 1100cc Turismo Veloces that began in the early 1950s and continued through 1958. There were reportedly only 126 of the 1959 1200cc Turismo Veloce Spyders produced and in my thirty years of collecting and admiring automobiles it is the first one I’ve ever seen in person. The Turismo Veloce was distinguishable by its split, recessed grille, roll-up windows, and wraparound windshield and distinctive body side chrome that emulates air intakes behind both of the doors. This particular vehicle has been owned by only two owners from new and the same elderly woman for the last forty years with a free and clear Florida title. It retains its original matching numbers engine and transmission and original cowl ID plate. The car is complete and retains all of its original components with the exception of the seats. Mechanical Condition: The car runs well, starts easily and the engine sounds just as it should. There is no smoke or burning oil. The clutch is smooth and trans shifts crisply with no whining or grinding. The brakes have just been totally rebuilt using all correct original Fiat components at great expense and they function perfectly. The vehicle has less than 60,000 actual miles and has spent much of its life in storage so the carb could use refreshing and perhaps some of the suspension. Body Condition: This is a VERY solid and original car as you can tell by some of the pictures. Italian cars from the 50’s are not known for their resistance to rust and the condition of the body is a testament to how well it was cared for over the years. The exterior of the body is straight including the original, never damaged nose. Both front fenders have never been damaged as evidenced by the photos of the inside of the fenders behind the headlights. The doors are solid including the lower edges with very slight bubbling on the passenger door. The quarter panels are also incredibly straight with very minimal rust but as you can see by the photos of the bottoms behind the tires they retain their original metal and riveted drains. The hood and decklid are also very clean inside and out with their original factory heavy undercoating. The inside of the body is in amazing condition with completely rust free cowl, frame rails, and firewall. The original floors are also very very solid and will not need replacing and still retain most of their original undercoating. There is a small soft spot in the driver’s floorboard at the very front left corner. The trunk area is completely rust free and has never had any repair or damage. Both front and rear valances are also clean and straight. This body would be an easy high point restoration. Interior: The interior appears neat and original but may have had some work done over the years but it appears factory. The seats are not original to the car but appear period correct. The dash is clean and all switches and gauges are in place with aftermarket gauges installed many years ago below the dash. The radio looks original to the car. The door panels are in remarkable condition. The top is also in amazing condition for its age and perfectly usable as-is but it is a little yellowed from age. The original top boot is still attached. All glass is excellent including the wrap around windshield. Chrome: All of the original chrome is present with the car including all four hubcaps. The chrome is tarnished but straight and original and not rusted. Taillight bezels are pitted but rechromeable. Overall this is a very clean and original car that is usable as-is with a little tinkering and new tires. It is also worthy of a full restoration as a perfectly restored example in black sold for $60,000 at the 2010 Gooding auction AFTER the economy crashed. This car is also eligible for the Mille Miglia and many other vintage races. This is an opportunity to own a very rare and unique 50’s Italian sports spyder at a very reasonable price. To answer some of the questions I have received about this car and through blogs and other forums I will add some additional information about the car. The car was taken out of service about 1971 due to bad brakes. The last Forida inspection sticker on the car is from 1969/70. The license plate is from 1969. The car was stored in dry storage for 40 years but started regularly and moved occasionally. It was maintained with fresh gas and oil at all times. When I removed the car it had a battery tender (charger) on it and it started immediately once the aftermarket electric fuel pump sent gas to the carb. The wheels were bead blasted and epoxy painted and the same tires reinstalled on the rims to make it a driver. The wipers work as do all lights and turn signals. The mirror has a rare map light inside of it. The car does run and drive and can be transported as a driver car. The radio does not work because there is no speaker currently in the car. I have posted over 100 pictures at the following link, over five pages worth. When you go to the link you can scroll down and proceed to the next page of pictures. As you can see by the pictures this is a VERY solid and unmolested car. Just look at how rust free that trunk is with all of its original spot welds!! Enjoy!http://s21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/TenHemi/1959%20Fiat/