Diminutive GT: 1958 Fiat 1200 TV Spider

The diminutive Fiat Transformabile – designed in-house by Fabio Luigi Rapi and constructed by Pininfarina in tiny quantities – reached six-figure prices in the 2015/6 era, the peak for a broad spectrum of vintage car values. Brimming with quirky but elegant and distinctive styling elements, the Turismo Veloce almost deserved its appreciation to the “unaffordable” category – except for one thing: it was still a Fiat, toiling along with about 60 hp. How things have changed: here on Hagerty Marketplace is this 1958 example, bid to just $8000. While I doubt the seller would part with his car for anywhere even close to that price, TVs (Fiat made an 1100 as well as a 1200) have seen serious depreciation lately. This car is located in Tacoma, Washington; I’d probably pick it up in a trailer, as these 90-degree days will not make for happy motoring in a Fiat. Thanks as always to Araknid78 for the exotic tip!

The TV was built from Fiat’s 1100 sedan, with the same wheelbase but much improved sheet metal. Its factory-fitted 1221 cc four-cylinder OHV engine breathed through a single downdraft carburetor and, as noted, managed about 60 hp. A four-speed manual gearbox brought what power was available to the rear wheels. The seller states that the car has a 1199 cc engine – probably an error since Fiat’s repertoire didn’t include that displacement. That air cleaner housing is original – nice to have since they’re hard to find. Recent mechanical attention includes a new fuel tank and lines; a rebuilt carburetor; and a brake overhaul. This car has traveled only about 50 miles since 2013, and no mention is made of its condition, so despite the mechanical work that’s been performed, the new owner should be prepared for more of the same.

Here’s one of the TV’s party tricks – rotating “captain’s chairs” designed to ease ingress. The seller notes that the seat foam is compressed and the convertible top is showing wear. The beautiful gauges and delicate switches are in keeping with the swanky exterior, and the car retains at least a few of its original tools. Fiat’s TV was meant to be a grand touring car – it wasn’t a tossable sports car despite its looks.

While these photos are decent, it’s difficult to appreciate the lines of this elegant Fiat in two dimensions. The haunchy rear fenders nipped in at the car’s “waist” by that beautiful trim piece behind the door, the not-quite fins with their unusual tail lamps, the turbine wheel covers – and could that bumper be any thinner? Up front, the split grill and rare, extravagant hood ornament give the TV a presence that belies its size. The seller notes bubbles in the paint along with other cosmetic wear commensurate with age. That said, the current price had better be far below the reserve, or I’ll be kicking myself forever for not bidding on this lot.