12.06.2004 The pretty Fiat Barchetta is now back in the showrooms after financial difficulties at Maggiora, which saw production of the convertible temporarily halted, now resolved
The
pretty Fiat Barchetta is now back in the showrooms after financial difficulties
at Maggiora, which saw production of the convertible temporarily halted, now resolved.
The Barchetta, based on the Punto platform, first entered production in 1995. Designed in-house by Fiat Centro Stile, it is produced by Bruno Maggiora's firm at Chivasso.
A pure two seater, with a full canvas roof and an
adequate boot, the engine was a new 1747cc, dohc 16V unit with
131bhp and 164Nm, which featured variable valve timing (hydraulic on the inlet
valves) for the first time in a production Fiat car.
Other noteworthy features
included a stainless steel 4-2-1 exhaust manifold, piston crown oil cooling
jets, forged steel conrods and self adjusting hydraulic tappets.
The Barchetta, which hits 124mph and completes the 0-60mph dash in 8.9 seconds, immediately received much praise for both its handling and performance, helped by its relatively light weight and excellent chassis rigidity for a convertible. The brakes were assisted by the addition of discs all round and ABS as standard. Despite the lack of any limited slip diff, traction was also rarely a problem, even on tight corners. A hardtop in the body colour (originally only in black) was also available.
Late 2002 saw a facelifted Barchetta shown to the public at the Bologna Motor Show. Featuring new front and rear bumpers the car became visually much more aggressive, whilst under the skin little changed.
However hardly had the new version appeared than financial problems at Maggiora reared their head. A decision was taken by Maggiora on 18th September last year to drastically cut the 280-strong workforce and sell various assets in an effort to solve the liquidity crisis.
With the operation now streamlined, production recently recommenced, and the little Barchetta is once again hitting the showrooms.
Fiat report continuing strong demand for a car which comes with class leading specification levels. Standard equipment includes power steering, ABS brakes, driver and passenger airbags, central locking, foglights, electrically operated windows and door mirrors, CD player, a leather steering wheel and gearknob, and an electric aerial.
Input from Carlo Ombello & additional text courtesy of CarsFromItaly.