Sometimes the simple things in life can be the most elegant. This isn't the fastest or most exclusive Italian classic, but this Fiat 1200 Spider for sale in California has undergone a recent refurbishment and would be a unique and economical choice for cruising to the beach this summer.

Year: 1960
Model: 1200 Spider
Engine: 1.2 liter inline four
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: 18,987 miles
Price: Reserve auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1960 Fiat 1200 Spider

Presented formally for sale for the first time since completing a thorough mechanical and cosmetic refurbishment during the summer and fall of 2012, is this beautiful 1960 Fiat 1200 “Vetture Speciali” Spider. Originally purchased at a Fiat dealership in San Francisco, the car was driven very little since new, but remained with the original owner until his passing in 2009. His neighbor bought the car from the original owner’s estate with the intent of bringing it back to its former glory, but eventually he was convinced to sell the car to us.

The cabriolet version of the 1200 or “spider” was restyled in 1959 and given a new body designed by the renowned designer Battitsta Pininfarina. The 1200 Spider was built by Fiat's Vetture Speciali (meaning: special cars) unit, and has amazing similarities to Ferrari's 250 GT PF Cabriolet of the same era (minus 8 of the 12 cylinders of course). Available at a fraction of the cost, the popularity of the 1200 Spider skyrocketed with sports car enthusiasts. A new 1200 Spider sold for $2,595 and proved to be a rather prudent choice, especially in the American sports-car market. In 1960, the Spider was given a boost of power, with the 1221cc engine reaching a peppy 63 horsepower. Production of the Spider continued with few changes through March of 1963.

Now presented in a striking color combination of black paint with two tone red and black interior (available factory options at the time), our special little Italian dish is certainly a head turner. As you can tell from the pictures, a painstaking effort was given to ensure that this wonderful 18,000 mile California original sports car was preserved and presented as if it just left the factory in Italy. The car has competed respectfully in two prestigious Concours d' Elegance events in Southern California, earning second place honors at the La Jolla Concours d' Elegance this past April. As great as this Spider appears in person or in pictures, she performs even better. The engine presents in as new condition after being rebuilt, resealed and repainted in factory colors with everything correct down to the stickers and oil filter cannister. The paint was stripped to bare metal with not an ounce of rust found anywhere. All chrome and stainless has been rechromed and refurbished, and all interior components: gauges, rubber, switches, handles and panels have all been reconditioned. To give an idea of how well preserved this Spider really is, the canvas soft top was replaced on the car in January of 1972 and is still in amazing condition! Seize the opportunity to purchase what is arguably the best original example of this model of Fiat in the world! Certain to increase in value in a fast appreciating European sports-car market, this special Fiat Spider represents a sound financial investment while providing classic Pininfarina styling and Italian panache and performance.

We welcome and recommend any inspection of this truly outstanding machine. Please contact Tim at 760/717-3997 for further information. You'll be glad you did!

These 1200 Spiders can fetch in the low to mid $20,000 range in good shape, and I'd expect this one to come close to that figure. I get used to seeing Spiders of all kinds painted in red, but in black, it kicks this car up a notch in terms of classiness.

-Paul