Fiat Ritmo Cabrio

Vehicle Overview

The Fiat Ritmo Cabrio was another important car in the history of Bertone. In 1978 Fiat presented the Ritmo, a medium-sized saloon with a very innovative look. In 1979 Bertone created a convertible version which was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The idea went down well and production began in Grugliasco in 1981. Compared to the saloon version, the cabrio is very linear. After the success of the Fiat X1/9, Nuccio Bertone reworked the Ritmo base, toughening up certain areas, adding in a safety roll bar and creating the hood mechanism. When the saloon was restyled in 1983, the Ritmo Cabrio was revamped as well. The cabrio was given the same engine options as the closed version: 65 Hp 1301 cc., 85 Hp 1498 cc., and 100 Hp 1598 cc. Characteristic is the eye-catching center roll bar with car-color pillars and the rear “tailgate,” achieved (with the top closed) by folding up the rear window and down the luggage compartment lid. The Fiat Ritmo Cabrio was aimed at the younger end of the market and heralded the return of the Italian cabriolet, after a run of bad years for the convertible market in general. 15,544 units were manufactured, up till 1986.