Fiat 1500 Cabriolet Gran Sport

Vehicle Overview

The Fiat 1500 Cabriolet Gran Sport, created in flamboyant style by Carrozzeria Ghia in 1946, is a dazzling example of Italian automotive artistry and innovation from the post-war era. Designed by Ghia’s talented Fedele Bianco, the project aimed to elevate the Fiat 1500 into a distinctive, striking vehicle that embodied the bold spirit of the time. Bianco’s design was influenced by earlier works like Revelli’s Alfa 6C 2500 in 1943 and Michelotti’s Lancia Astura in 1948, but with a unique, flamboyant touch that set it apart from other designs of the era. The standout feature of the Fiat 1500 Cabriolet Gran Sport was its flamboyant fenders, designed with expandable parts by Umberto Capalbi. These dramatic and expressive fenders perfectly captured the bold, avant-garde design philosophy of the period. The Gran Sport series was incredibly limited, with only four units built: two coupés and two cabriolets. Of these, the Fiat 1500 Ghia Cabriolet remains the only surviving example, making it an even rarer treasure.  The Fiat 1500 Cabriolet Gran Sport quickly became a star on the concours d’élégance circuit. On March 28, 1947, it tied for first place at the prestigious Monte Carlo Concours d’Élégance, sharing the honor with a Maserati A6 1500 GT Pininfarina. In May, it claimed the “Città dei Fiori” award in San Remo for its innovative design, cementing its reputation as a cutting-edge automobile. June saw the car’s participation at the Rome Concours d’Élégance, followed by a first-place finish at Turin’s event on June 28. Finally, in September, it took first prize in its class at the Villa d’Este Concours d’Élégance, further solidifying its status as a top-tier creation. The Fiat 1500 Cabriolet Gran Sport was originally painted in a gray-blue color to distinguish it from the Fiat 1100 variant. Its clever design innovation allowed the car to be transformed from a two-seater into a four-seater with ease, enhancing its practicality. This unique blend of functionality, aesthetic brilliance, and competition success established the Fiat 1500 Cabriolet Gran Sport as one of Ghia’s finest creations, symbolizing the elegance and ingenuity of post-war Italian design.