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Fiat OSCA 1600S

Fiat OSCA 1600SFiat OSCA 1600SFiat OSCA 1600SFiat OSCA 1600SFiat OSCA 1600S
Fiat OSCA 1600SFiat OSCA 1600SFiat OSCA 1600SFiat OSCA 1600SFiat OSCA 1600S
Fiat OSCA 1600SFiat OSCA 1600SFiat OSCA 1600SFiat OSCA 1600S
Lot number 205
Hammer value £14,500
Description Fiat OSCA 1600S
Year 1963
Colour White
Engine size 1,568 cc
Chassis No. 118SA 23959
Engine No. 1093169/2754OM

The Maserati Brothers had sold the shares in their business as early as 1937, but as part of the deal had contracted to work for the new owners for a further 10 years. 

As soon as they could, they left the old firm, by which time it had re-located to Modena and set up in business back in Bologna, the home of the original Maserati factory. OSCA (Officine Specializzate Construzioni Automobili) was formed with the specific aim of competing in the 1100cc racing class. Basing their engines on Fiat units they became very successful on the circuits with drivers such as Stirling Moss and Luigi Villoresi notching up countless wins.

In the meantime, Fiat had announced a very pretty Pininfarina-designed coupe and convertible fitted with their little 1200cc engine. Fiat decided it needed a boost to performance so a deal was done to use the twin cam OSCA 1491cc engine derived from their own product as an addition to the range. This was soon enlarged to 1568cc, producing a very healthy 90bhp which appeared as the Fiat OSCA 1600S. This model remained in production until the arrival of the brilliant Fiat 124 Coupe and Spyder by which time OSCA had been purchased by Count Agusta (of MV Agusta fame) for design work, eventually to cease trading in 1967.

This rare 1963 model was purchased in the UK on Italian plates back in October 2009. The vendor’s family intended to keep it at their French residence to use in the summer months and spent much time and effort registering it in that country. Alas their plans have since changed so this nice running example is being offered for sale.

Under the bonnet is a Fiat France SA sticker, indicating that it may have originally been first registered in that country. It was certainly registered in France as late as 1978 and was sold to a gentleman in Scotland in 2007. The vendor’s family subsequently acquired it in 2009, putting it through the ‘Controle Technique’ to enable French re-registration .

Offered with a history file showing service bills back to 1992, it is described by the vendor as being in average to good condition, with good chrome, interior, seats and hood, whilst the carpets and rubber mats are described as worn and the windscreen has a crack. He also adds that there are some small bubbles in the paint work on the wheel arches and sills, which ideally could do with some tidying up. It has recently been used and enjoyed by the family and runs and drives well and is thought to be mechanically sound.

This rare and pretty convertible, with its powerful twin carburettor 90bhp twin cam, is blessed with the performance to match its good looks. Ensconced behind the wheel with that gorgeous Italian dashboard ahead of him, the lucky new owner will get a true flavour of ‘la dolce vita’. The vendor informs us that it is currently registered in France and carries French plates so will need to be registered with the DVLA if it is to be used on the roads over here.

Catalogue Amendment - please note that there has been change in the estimate to £15,000 - £16,000.

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