The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The Fiat 600D Spider Moretti designed by Michelotti.
The Fiat 600D Spider Moretti, designed by the acclaimed Giovanni Michelotti, is a striking open-top interpretation of the popular Fiat 600D. Unveiled at the 1961 Turin Auto Show, this Spider model showcased Moretti’s innovative approach to transforming the compact and practical Fiat 600 into a stylish and dynamic roadster. Giovanni Michelotti, known for his distinctive and elegant automotive designs, approached the Fiat 600D Spider with the intent to blend sporty aesthetics with the practical foundations of the 600D. The result was a refined and compact convertible that maintained the urban-friendly dimensions of the original while offering an entirely new driving experience. The 600D Spider Moretti featured a more streamlined and sporty silhouette compared to the standard Fiat 600D. Its low, sleek profile was complemented by clean, flowing lines and a minimalist front end, marked by rounded headlights and a modest grille that preserved the Fiat identity. The car’s compact dimensions made it agile and light, ideal for both city driving and scenic touring. A signature aspect of the Spider was its open-top design, which enhanced the driving pleasure, particularly suited for Italy’s sunny climates. The soft-top roof, when folded down, seamlessly integrated with the car’s rear, maintaining the balanced proportions typical of Michelotti’s designs. Moretti’s approach to the 600D series did not end with the Spider. The same stylistic system and much of the same equipment were utilized to create coupé and sedan variants, allowing Moretti to maintain a consistent design language across the model range. This cohesive strategy not only streamlined production but also reinforced the brand identity, making each variant easily recognizable. The specimen presented at the 1961 Turin Auto Show was originally painted in a classic color but has since been repainted in a vibrant red, further enhancing its sporty appeal. Currently, this particular car resides within a private collection, cherished for its rarity and historical significance. The Fiat 600D Spider Moretti exemplifies how Italian coachbuilders like Moretti, guided by visionary designers such as Michelotti, were able to take a utilitarian model and transform it into something both elegant and dynamic. As a result, this model remains a highly desirable collector’s item, celebrated for its unique design, open-air driving pleasure, and the creative ingenuity of Italian automotive artisans.
Moretti Motor Company was founded in 1925 by Giovanni Moretti in order to design and build motorcycles, both of his own design and with agreements with other companies. Using the same motorcycle engines, Giovanni Moretti also dabbled in microcars in the late 1920s and early 1930s…
