1996 FIAT BARCHETTA 6085

1996 FIAT BARCHETTA YELLOW 6085

Step back into a golden era of Italian automotive design with this captivating 1997 Fiat Barchetta. More than just a car, the Barchetta—Italian for “little boat”—is a vessel of pure, unadulterated driving pleasure, designed to stir the soul and quicken the pulse. It represents a time when cars were celebrated for their character, style, and the intimate connection they offered between driver, machine, and the open road. This beautiful example is a rare opportunity to acquire a true modern classic that offers an authentic European roadster experience, brimming with charisma that is simply absent in today’s automotive landscape.

Conceived in the early 1990s and launched to acclaim in 1995, the Barchetta was Fiat’s triumphant return to the affordable sports car market. Designed in-house at the famed Centro Stile Fiat, its stunning bodywork was penned by Andreas Zapatinas, who crafted a shape that is both timeless and evocative. The design pays homage to the classic Italian sports cars of the past, with sweeping, sensual lines, scalloped sides, and exquisite details like flush, pop-out door handles and faired-in headlamps that give the car a friendly, inviting face. There are no harsh angles or aggressive spoilers here; just a beautifully resolved, perfectly proportioned form that looks sensational from every angle, especially with the top down.

Beneath the artful exterior lies a spirited and engaging heart. The Barchetta is powered by a lively 1.8-litre, 16-valve twin-cam engine, complete with variable valve timing—a sophisticated feature for its time. This powerplant produces a healthy 131 PS (129 hp), which is more than enough to make this lightweight, 1060 kg roadster feel energetic and eager. Paired with a slick five-speed manual gearbox, the engine loves to rev, delivering a delightful soundtrack and propelling the “little boat” from 0 to 100 km/h in a brisk 8.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 200 km/h.

However, the Barchetta’s magic lies not in straight-line speed, but in its sublime handling. Based on a shortened and strengthened version of the Fiat Punto chassis, its engineers created a wonderfully balanced and agile front-wheel-drive platform. The steering is precise and communicative, allowing you to place the car with pinpoint accuracy through corners. With its wheels pushed to the very corners of the chassis, the Barchetta feels planted and responsive, offering a playful and confidence-inspiring driving experience that encourages you to seek out winding country roads. It’s a car that reminds you that driving can, and should, be an absolute joy.

The interior is a study in stylish Italian minimalism. The driver-focused cockpit features a classic instrument layout, with the essentials presented clearly and elegantly. The snug, supportive seats hold you in place during spirited driving, while the simple, uncluttered design keeps the focus firmly on the experience. Lowering the manual soft-top is a simple, one-person operation that takes mere moments, fully opening the cabin to the elements and transforming any drive into a special occasion.

This 1997 Fiat Barchetta is not just a car; it’s an escape. It’s an invitation to leave the mundane behind, to take the scenic route, and to rediscover the simple, profound pleasure of driving. As a distinctive and increasingly rare alternative to its more common rivals, this Barchetta offers exclusivity and style in equal measure. For the discerning enthusiast seeking a car with soul, beauty, and an irresistible sense of fun, this “little boat” is ready to set sail on its next great adventure.

Key Details:

• Make: Fiat
• Model: Barchetta
• Series: Type 183
• Body Type: Roadster (other)
• Year: 1996
• Build Date: December 1996
• Condition: Used
• Odometer: 59,676 km
• Colour: Yellow
• Transmission: Manual
• Engine Code: 00023645
• Fuel Type: ULP
• VIN: ZFA18300000023996
• Registration: TBA
• Stock Number: 6085
• Location: Western Australia

Contact Us:

For more details or to schedule a test drive, please contact Fabcar!
Phone: 0483 920 544
Email: info@fabcar.com.au
Address: 22 Murchison Terrace, Perth, Western Australia

Explore our full range of imported vehicles at www.Fabcar.com.au.

Note: Pricing and specifications are subject to change without notice. Please contact Fabcar for the most current information.

This 1997 Barchetta isn’t just another convertible; it’s a rolling piece of Italian passion, designed for pure, unfiltered driving joy. Stock 6085 offers a prime opportunity to capture the timeless style and vivacious spirit of one of the most charismatic roadsters of its era.