Fiat Barchetta

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Launched in 1995, the Fiat Barchetta was a delightful little roadster with lithe, swooping bodywork designed by Andreas Zapatinas.

Partially hand-built, it was packed full of those lovely design details that the Italians do so well, such as the cowled Ferrari-esque headlights and recessed tail-lights, flick-out door handles and cute boat-tail rear.

Only available in left-hand drive, it was powered by a 135bhp 1,750cc twin-cam engine with variable valve timing that endowed the car with very sprightly performance – 125mph with a 0-60 time of 8.9 seconds. It remained in production until 2002 but was re-launched in 2004 for one year only.

First registered in April 1998, this UK model is finished in black with black hood, anthracite cloth interior and lovely five-spoke alloy wheels. It has been enjoyed by its current owner until the arrival of a baby which has necessitated more than two seats.

A jaunt to Brittany last Easter saw the car really enjoyed to its max and being LHD made it a cinch to dart down picturesque narrow country roads (see images online!).

The car’s history file is considerable and invoices within show it was treated to a cambelt service in April 2018. There are 11 old MOTs and routine service and maintenance invoices which support the low mileage of 77,575 miles from new. Other documentation on file shows the car spent time on French plates with its former UK owner through 2012 before coming back to the UK. It has a current MOT until August 2019 with only one advisory recorded for wear to the front tyres. Comfort spec front spot lights have been added to the car during its life and act as daytime running lights.

A cracking alternative to an MX-5 with far more flair and peppier performance, they also boast a bigger boot and are far less common on the roads, we love ‘em.