1999 Fiat Coupe

The Fiat Coupe was in production from 1993 until 2000. Styled in house by Chris Bangle, it is a front-engine, front wheel drive coupe range seating four adults.

The Fiat Coupe was based on the floorpan of the Fiat Tipo, developed as a halo model for the Fiat range and intended to fill production space at the Pininfarina factory after the failed Cadillac Allante project. This is why the Pininfarina badge is fitted despite being an in house design – though Pininfarina also created the interior for Fiat. Launched in the UK for 1995, with four cylinder 16 valve engines courtesy of the Tipo Sedicivalvole (naturally aspirated) and Lancia Integrale (turbocharged), from 1996 models were fitted with five cylinder 20v engines based on the new four cylinder from the Lancia Kappa. Along with these new engines, Fiat facelifted the car with a new steering wheel, grille, clock and centre console. In 1998, the Turbo was fitted with a variable inlet system and the sills on the Turbo model were colour coded. Fiat also released a Turbo Plus with additional options. The Turbo Plus was fitted with much of the equipment fitted to the LE documented below.

72762 Fiat Coupes were produced between 1993 and 2000, though it’s not known how many of these were built with right hand drive. Most popular models are the LE special edition, which incorporated Recaro seats, a six speed gearbox, red engine covers and a titanium dashboard. Produced in Black, Red, Vinci Grey, Crono Grey and Steel Grey, the individually numbered LE can command a small premium. 300 Les were produced for the British market.

Alternatives to the Fiat Coupe then and now would include the Alfa Romeo GTV and potentially the Nissan 200SX. The Peugeot 406 Coupe and Ford Cougar were less overtly sporting, but both are similar sized four seat coupes with reasonably competent chassis and might well have been considered by the average Fiat Coupe owner. The last cars might conceivably have competed with the smaller Audi TT.