1961 Fiat 1500S Cabriolet

Description

1961 OSCA

California car, needs work.

Front end was unfortunately chopped off by some one other than myself, we have sheet metal to for the repair or we offer another 1200 body separately for the complete front clip.

This car is mostly complete. The motor was stuck when I bought the car. I took a chance the motor was able to be repaired. Upon removal the crank pulley was broken but no damage to the crank shaft. After finding a crank pulley and the fan (Thank you James) I then broke the motor down. I was pleased to find no damage inside the motor aside from light rust on the rings that sealed the #1 piston in place.

A fresh 3 1/4" Hone was purchased, run through the cylinders and as suspected, they were perfect...........literally perfect.

New rings went on the original pistons (obviously at this point all parts were meticulously cleaned), new bearings on the crank and connecting rods, all new gaskets and seals, 3 broken studs repaired (2 on oil pan, 1 on timing cover). New timing chains and oil pump chain installed, Starter motor was cleaned inside and out, reassembled and installed. A Weber 34dchd was installed, all systems checked out for a test fire, the ORIGINAL ignition system, blows me away but it functions and functions well. Motor was primed, oil pressure came right up, spritz of fuel and the motor came to life after 50 years of sitting. Motor runs strong, no issues at all, no smoke, idles as it should, revs as it should but needs to be broken in to seat rings. Oil pressure came 40-60 psi.

The next move is yours, bring this OSCA back to life or repair the nose and make a good driver out of it. My assessment of the nose is it looks worse than it is. I took several measurements next to my other cars and the hit was an impact only to the sheet metal, no frame damage, no structural damage, I believe a clip will weld right into place.

Items that come with the car, a windshield, sheet metal for the repair, Bumpers, the correct OSCA grille (was offered 2K for the grille but said no, it stays with the car).

This particular OSCA I believe is an early 61, this I conclude based on the brakes being drums all around, discs I believe cane late 61/62.

I also have a 59 1200 shell for sale, it could be used for the front clip on the OSCA or be restored. That car comes with the exterior trim, most of the interior, a few boxes of misc parts, the original motor and trans. (that car is 4000 as is as mentioned)

Email me I can send a short video of the motor running. Bone