The story of Bertone: the Most Controversial Coachbuilder Ever
The beginning of Bertone Bertone was founded in November 1912, when Giovanni Bertone, then aged 28, opened a workshop specialising in the construction and…
Fiat Bravo Cabriolet
The Fiat Bravo Cabriolet one-off by Bertone.
Vehicle Overview
The Fiat Bravo Cabriolet by Bertone is a unique prototype developed in 1998 by the Italian coachbuilder Bertone, based on the first-generation Fiat Bravo compact hatchback introduced in 1995. The vehicle represents a one-off conversion from the standard hatchback body to a two-door cabriolet configuration, featuring a fully retractable soft top and accommodation for four passengers. The design retained the original Bravo’s front fascia, including its distinctive headlamp assemblies and grille, while modifications were made to the rear structure to accommodate the convertible roof mechanism. The proportions balance the cabin volume with a truncated rear deck, consistent with Bertone’s design language of clean, simple lines and functional elegance. The vehicle’s exterior finish was metallic grey, emphasizing the prototype’s understated character. Mechanically, the Cabriolet preserved the donor car’s front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout and suspension geometry, with no documented changes to the drivetrain or chassis components. The standard Fiat Bravo range of the era offered multiple inline-four engines, including 1.4 and 1.6-litre variants, which were likely candidates for the prototype’s powertrain, although specific technical data for the Cabriolet remains unconfirmed. The origin of the Fiat Bravo Cabriolet prototype is not definitively documented; however, it is probable that the commission originated from a cycling team or associated broadcast entity connected with the Tour de France. This hypothesis is supported by period references suggesting the vehicle was intended for promotional or official use during the cycling event, potentially serving as a support or publicity vehicle. Such collaborations between Italian automotive manufacturers and sporting organizations were common in the 1990s, reflecting marketing strategies that linked brand visibility with major international competitions. No further production ensued beyond this singular unit. The prototype was displayed at various automotive events but did not enter commercial series manufacturing. Chassis or registration details have not been publicly disclosed, and the vehicle is believed to remain in private hands or controlled by the commissioning organization. The Fiat Bravo Cabriolet by Bertone remains a documented example of late-20th-century coachbuilt experimentation on mass-market platforms, illustrating the intersection of design innovation with specialized marketing requirements.
Technical Specifications
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Body
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Year1998
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MakeFiat
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ModelBravo Cabrio
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CoachbuilderBertone
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Units built1
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DESIGNERN/A
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