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Barchetta History
The Barchetta has been with us for over 14 years now. It made its debut at the 1995 Geneva Motor Show. Several manufactures had noticed the growing sales of the Mazda MX5 and rightly concluded the market for soft tops was back in – including Fiat. Speculation had been rife about the basis for the Fiat soft top car after production of the X1/9 ceased. A cut down Coupe perhaps or a revised Uno? In the end they chose the more obvious route with
a small and light chassis based on the Punto floor pan.
Early cars were often European imports as there was a price differential in the mid-nineties. The UK spec. cars tend to have more options included as standard - in particular the ABS, and power steering are useful. To date there has been only one basic model with a range of limited editions.
The basic UK spec also has an optional Comfort Pack which provides central locking, leather trim front fog lights, electric aerial and door mirrors.
The Special Editions were; from 1995 to ’98 the Limited Edition, followed by the Riviera to 2000, which was superceded by the Milano in 2001.
Technically the engine is a new development. It’s a 1747cc 16 valve 4 cylinder. The first production Fiat with variable valve timing (vvt). The power peaks at 130bhp (6300 rpm) and top speed is 125mph with 0-60 in 8.6 secs.
The vvt contributes to a smoother power delivery as well as a considerably flatter torque curve - 90% of peak torque is produced at 2000 rpm. It also helps to provide good economy (34 mpg). But the design has not been without some problems - as carbon build up on the variator of the variable valve system causes them to seize up. This affected cars up to March 1999 the most. Barchettas also have fully independent suspension with disc brakes all round.
Special Edition
Edition Details
Entry Level (UK)
ABS , Immobiliser, Electric windows, Airbags P&D, Power steering
plus the Comfort Pack comprising Central locking, Leather trim, Electric door mirrors, Electric aerial, Front fog lightsLimited Edition
(1995 – 98)
Silver with red hood & leather, Green with biscuit hood/ leather
15in alloys, fogs, Titanium colour dash detailing, Electric door mirrors, Electric aerial, Central locking, Wind stopRiviera
(1998 – 2000)
Black with red hood & leather, Red with black hood & leather. Then from 2000 in any of the 5 Barchetta colours.
Options as Limited Edition.
Milano
(from 2001)
As Riviera with new Fiat badges, plus the Comfort Pack; Central locking, Leather trim, Electric door mirrors, Electric aerial, Front fog lightsLido Naxos
(from 2002)
ABS , Airbags P&D, Front & Rear spoilers, Alloys, Fogs, Windstop, Metallic paint