A 1995 Fiat Barchetta, eh? I’ve never heard of one – kinda sounds like an appetizer. Anyway, the U.S. was not a target export market, and that may be the primary reason this model is unknown to me. But that’s about to change as we delve into this seemingly unusual model. PRA4SNW found the listing for this Elyria, Ohio, domiciled roadster, and it’s listed here on eBay for a BIN price of $14,950; there’s a make an offer option too.
Assembled in both Maggiora and Mirafiori, Italy, the Barchetta was offered between 1995 and 2005. A single roadster body style was available, and production estimates are believed to be slightly under 60K copies. While the look may initially be unfamiliar, I do see a familial resemblance to the Fiat 124 Spyder. The listing contains many extensive images of this Barchetta, but the descriptive text is light, offering “A nice body, and solid undercarriage..Top is good, but rear plastic window is cracked.” The presentation is sound with a still-deep finish. The rear end treatment with its flush taillights is memorable and is one of this car’s more notable styling cues, while the front clip is reminiscent of Mazda’s Miata – at least to my eyes. Italian sports cars and rust are terms often inextricably linked, but that doesn’t appear to be the case here. There are numerous listing images of this Barchetta’s underside, and it all shows as being very sound. Small? You bet, 2,300 lbs. stretched over a 154″ length while riding on an 89.5″ wheelbase.
The drivetrain configuration consists of a 129 HP, 1.8-liter DOHC, transverse-mounted, in-line four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels via a five-speed manual transaxle. The seller claims, “Mechanically, the car runs and drives good.” The mileage recording of 162 KM translates into 101K miles, so there may be some question as to whether this Barchetta can still pull off its factory-claimed 0-60 MPH time of 8.4 seconds. Nope, it’s not a rocket, but the seller does state, “…fun to drive.”
The interior compartment is about what one would expect to find in a car of this nature. The fabric upholstery is definitely worn-looking, and the driver’s seat will need a redo. The dash and door panels, however, check out as OK. The instrument panel’s large, centrally mounted gauges are still clear and legible. Unsurprisingly, this is a non A/C equipped roadster.
This car’s likely draw is its less-than-common appearance – ideal if you’re looking for something different. Then again, it could be its bane as far as parts sourcing is concerned. So, how about a show of hands, who’s heard of Fiat’s Barchetta?
See them in abundance in Italy, they look really nice in Robin Egg Blue.
Those are some very honest photos.