General description :
Fiat 1200 was the name of three distinct models all based on Fiat 100 mechanicals. The first two were introduced in 1957, and replaced the TV (Turismo Veloce) variants at the top of the Fiat 100 range : the 1220 Granluce, an upmarket small four-door saloon derived from the 1100, and the 1200 Spyder, an update of the previous 1100 TV Trasformabile 2-door roadster. The 1200 Granluce was discontinued in 1961 when larger Fiat saloons were introduced, while the 1200 Trasformabile/Spyder was replaced in 1959 by the 1200 Cabriolet, a Pininfarina design, later developed into the 1200 and 1500 Cabriolets. At the 1957 Turin Motor Show, alongside the Granluce saloon, Fiat also introduced the 1200 TV Trasformabile two-seater roadster. It was an updated Fiat 1100 TV Trasformabile using the 1200 engine, and it was called the 1220 Spider in export markets. Exterior changes from the earlier model were minimal, and included new front and rear bumpers with taller over-riders moved further inboards. Inside there was a strip speedometer, and the saloon's steering wheel replaced the wood-rimmed, aluminium-spoked one of the Trasformabile. A novelty feature were swiveling seats, which rotated outwards to facilitate ingress and egress. In 1959 the Spyder was replaced by the Pininfarina-designed 1200 Cabriolet. Specifications Bodywork Length : cm (in): 392 (154.3) Width : cm (in): 152 (59.8) Height : cm (in): 128 (50.4) Wheelbase : cm (in) : 234 (92.1) Weight: kg (lb) : 920 (2050) Mechanics. Displacement : straight-four 1221 cc (74 cu in), front-mounted Valve gear : 8 Fuel system : 1 Weber carburetor Gearbox : 4-speed manual Drive wheels : rear-wheel drive LHD Maximum power : 54 hp at 5300 rpm Maximum torque : 83 Nm at 3000 rpm Maximum speed : 140 km/h (87 mph
Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (FIAT to you and I) was founded by Giovanni Agnelli in 1899. Their first car 3 ½ CV had a strong resembledence to contemporary Benz, only 25 examples were built. By 1910 Fiat had established itself as Italia's biggest car manufacturer and expanded to the US, where a new plant was built in Poughkeepsie, NY.
At that time Fiat cars were big and luxurious barges for the wealthy or barking mad racing cars like S76 , The beast of Turin, with its 290HP 28.5-liter, four-cylinder engine.
However, today Fiat is better reknown for its small symphatic peoples carriers, Topolino, 500 "Cinquecento" and 600.
What ever your favorite Fiat is, you'll find it for sale here at www.classicdigest.com