The Fiat 1400 platform played an important role in the expansion of Italian coachbuilders activities. They all could show their skills on it including young Giovanni Michelotti who was then working for Bertone. The car for sale is the 20th of about 20 models named “Cabriolet Saint-Léger” built by Bertone. There is only one other car known to have survived. It is one of the first ponton-style without chromed ornaments designs ever made.
The platform was sold new in December 1950 to Bologna, most probably to the customer who ordered the body from Bertone. The last owner bought the car about 40 years ago, dismantled the engine and since dry stored the car. The car is thus in very sound dry stored never restored condition. It will be an easy restoration of an almost unique car.
The whole car needs complete but easy restoration:
The whole body and the platform are in rather sound condition. Rust is only superficial. Panel fit is good. Cracking paint ( mainly on bonnet and boot ) and a few bumps and dents are there. The car is small and rather light ( length is 420 cm ). It seems to have a low mileage and never had any serious accident damage.
The whole interior is in worn but original condition. Seats are covered with a nice dark blue vynil, carpets were blue. All typical Bertone handles, dash buttons, horn buttons and emblems are there. The hood is rather low and elegant.
The original engine has been reasembled ( it was in parts when I bought the car ). All mecanics do need easy restoration.
Main missing parts are: Spare wheel. Rear bumpers, rear seat cushion, rear bumper and carpets.
With the car are coming : - Original rear lights, - Certificato di Origine by Fiat, - Estrato Cronologico.