Fiat 1100 Cabriolet Derby

Vehicle Overview

The Fiat 1100 Cabriolet Derby Bertone, a 2-seater cabriolet based on the “1100 E” chassis, marked a significant milestone in the history of Bertone’s coachworks. The success of this model spurred high demand, which led Bertone to expand his family business, increasing the staff to 150 people. Despite this growth, the company was not yet fully industrialized, though the foundational setup was already in place to handle the production of small series vehicles. This was a legacy of the 1930s, built upon projects like the “Balilla della Signora” and the Lancia Artena, which had laid the groundwork for the company’s future success. The Fiat 1100 Cabriolet Derby was part of the Derby series, one of Bertone’s most successful and influential lines. Its elegant design, high-quality craftsmanship, and the innovative approach to production made it a standout in the automotive world during its time. Although Bertone was transitioning into a more industrialized setup, the company maintained a focus on small-series production, ensuring the continued craftsmanship and attention to detail that characterized its earlier work. This period marked a critical point in Bertone’s evolution, balancing the challenges of increased demand with the family’s desire to maintain the artisan touch that had made the company famous. The Fiat 1100 Cabriolet Derby Bertone is thus not only a symbol of automotive design excellence but also a representation of a pivotal moment in the company’s history, where tradition and innovation merged to create a lasting legacy in the world of coachbuilding.