I have the opportunity to buy a 1960 FIAT 1200 convertible for my wife.
This is a very bare car. its been stripped and is primered and supposedly except for a rocker repair most of the bodywork has been done.
the motor is frozen.

I have experience with BMW's (rebuilt and daily drive a few Bavaria's(E3), E36's E46) etc plus experience with old Chevy's, so i know that i am getting into a project.

my questions are:
-- what are the areas that i should be looking at for rust?
-- Is the 1200 a model that i should be able to find a resonably priced motor / tranny for if necessary?
-- is the 1200 a problem vehicle? could it be a daily driver?
-- did this car come with an AC option? if not, what are fiat owners using to add aftermarket ac to these cars?
-- is there a common motor swap to these cars? such as a later FI motor and Tranny that are more plentiful?
-- any other suggestions or shortcuts would be helpful....

thanks in advance

Ruprect
Austin, Texas.

c'mon, anyone ? how about a motor swap? i would like to put a newer FI motor in the car..

if you dont give me a FIAT suggestion, its likely going to get a BMW M44 with a 5 speed.
you don't want that do you ?

hello-----i have a chance to buy a 63 fiat 1200 cabriolet also. havent done it yet, but will need alot of work. engine out of car but its all there.
In response to your question i have heard you can put a 124 spider engine in this car. not sure. check with Cris Obert in California.
google c obert.com

thanks and good luck


hifijoes