I did it again ... this time it's a 1962 FIAT 1500S 'OSCA'

[Cees Klumper]

I should say "We did it" because, this time, I am teaming up with a friend who has owned, restored and maintained numerous vintage Italian cars.

About a month ago we spotted a '62 FIAT 1500S 'OSCA' cabriolet in very poor but restorable and complete condition for sale on Los Angeles Craigslist, in Long Beach, being offered by a longtime collector of FIAT and Simca cars.

It needs extensive rust repairs, which I will take care of, and has the original OSCA (Officine Specializzate Costruzione Automobili—Fratelli Maserati S.p.A) engine, that has already been rebuilt. OSCA was an Italian manufacturer of racing and sports cars established 1947 in San Lazzaro di Savena, Bologna, by the Maserati brothers, and closed down in 1967.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat_Pininfarina_Cabriolet

Parts are still widely available. I will follow up with news after we begin the restoration later this year as I am currently in France for the Summer.

[MikeSimon]

Wow! The very first car I ever owned was a 1961 Fiat 1500S OSCA. In many details, this car was ahead of its time! One of the ones, I never should have let go.

[rwmastel]

Cees,

When are you going to flip careers and make restoration your primary job/income?

[Cees Klumper]

Haha actually Rodd that is 'the plan' for when I retire - I am 63 now and I would love to tinker with old cars for as long as I am able to, doing restoration, maintenance, bodywork and paint. Looking into building a home in southern California in the near future with a large enough shop space to be able to do this. So you guessed it and it's in the works for the not-too-distant future.

[rwmastel]

[Pawel66]

I think it is an awesome car!

I am Mercedes fan. If I were asked what other country motoring tradition and brands I am fond of, I would hesitate for a moment if I should say British or Italian, but I would go for Italian. It is a combination of perfect engineering and top timeless design that is coming from southern Italian heart.

Polish motoring has long lasting ties with Fiat - since 1920-1930ies. Fiats 508s produced in Poland are the most valuable classics here. Then, in communist times, Fiat was the one who brought modern car making technology to Poland in late 60ies and early 70ies and motorized Poland with Fiats 125 and 126.

Looking forward to see your dreams come true!