FIAT Barchetta 1995-2003 Photos, engines & full specs

After a long absence from the sports car market, Fiat unveiled their response to the Mazda MX-5 with the launch of the Fiat Barchetta.

Have you ever thought that one of the Italy’s symbols in the automotive industry was created by a Greek? Well, Andreas Zapatinas was the one to design the Barchetta.

The sporty vehicle was built on the Fiat Punto’s platform, however, the chassis was shortened, strengthened and revised to offer more performance.

Such as the Punto, the Barchetta featured a front-wheel-drive system, fact that may have upset some of the rear-wheel-driver lovers for a sports car.

The car’s body parts were assembled by Maggiora. When Maggiora went out of business in 2002, Fiat ceased production and managed to relocate after 1 year.

The Barchetta had a zippy engine, 1,8-liter powerplant that developed 130 hp and had a top speed of around 200 kph.

Even though Fiat had never produced right-hand drive models, the Barchetta was loved in England and Japan.

The small Barcheta (which, by the way, translates into “Little Boat”) could sprint to 100 kph in 8.9 seconds.

The sports car had a great handling and a very precise steering with its short, stout body that was close to the ground, as well as the wheels positioned at the extreme corners of the chassis.