More than rare: 1949 Fiat 1100B Cabriolet by Farina

In fact, describing this car as “Rare” is somewhat understating it, as it appears to be a unique specimen.

Actually, technically speaking, all these cars were “unique specimens” because they were vehicles produced exclusively on commission and with very specific requirements from the clients. Therefore, even for minor details, there were no two cars that were perfectly identical. In the case of this car, we are aware of at least one other “twin” in a light green color, also not perfectly identical to the car posted here. Interestingly, there are also a couple of Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Cabriolets built with a body that shares the same styling cues, albeit in an enlarged version, of course.

This one boasts a beautiful midnight blue exterior with a red interior, which is also reflected in the hubcaps. We’re not sure if this hubcap color is accurate, but we assume that whoever restored it did their homework first. What we particularly like is that the car still retains its original black license plate, which adds an almost emotional impact to the whole, regardless of the fact that the car is already stunning on its own. Find it for sale at €85,000 (today $90,000) here in Bareggio, Italy.

One thought on “More than rare: 1949 Fiat 1100B Cabriolet by Farina

  1. Very nice looking FIAT in general, however the front bumper tends to make the front appear ‘Buck tooth’, and it suggests a mini-snow plow [It’s too deep, front to rear]. A thinner chrome bumper would blend better with the horizontal grill slats.

    And I don’t believe the clear vinyl rear window is original to the car, it should have been a much smaller glass window with a thin metal surround, typically chromed for custom-bodied cars. I’ve never seen a pre-1950 car [with a folding fabric top] that used a flexible vinyl window. In talking with one of my convertible top suppliers, he said the first use of this type of rear window was in 1951 American cars with the new Rayon top fabric, used in more expensive cars like Cadillac and Packard.

    When I see an expensive car with a possible cost-cutting rear window, I wonder what other cost-cutting measures did the restorer use?

    Liked by 1 person

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