Fiat – Osca 1600 S Spider
Chassis: 29425
French registration document
- Version 118 SB
- Recently rebuilt Osca engine
- Extremely rare car
- Designed by Pininfarina
Developed from the 1200 and 1500 Cabriolet models, the Fiat 1600 S stood out from 1962 onwards thanks to the adoption of a specific engine supplied by OSCA (Officine Specializzate Costruzioni Automobili), a company founded by the Maserati brothers. It is a 1,568 cc 4-cylinder engine with double overhead camshafts, developing around 90 horsepower, coupled with a 4-speed manual gearbox.
This engine, also used in some Siata and OSCA competition models, allows the 1600 S to reach around 175 km/h. It was characterised by a sportier performance than the more conventional Fiat versions, with a high engine speed and twin carburettors. Aesthetically, the model retained the Pininfarina bodywork, with distinctive features specific to the OSCA version: a special grille, different instrumentation and a badge on the rear wing. Due to its limited production, the 1600 S OSCA is one of the least common variants of the vintage Fiat convertible.
The example presented here is a 1965 Cabriolet 1600 S, corresponding to the 118 SB version. This vehicle has undergone a major mechanical overhaul over the last two years. The OSCA engine was removed from the chassis and completely rebuilt, including the internal components. More recently, the carburettors have been overhauled, as well as part of the electrical system, to ensure consistent operation.