This is my 1959 Fiat 1200, rescued from a junkyard way back in 1992. I  clearly remember being attracted by the tail barely protruding from a lineup of other more mundane wrecks demurely slumbering amongst the weeds, all destined to quietly rust away and remain the home of defensive wasps and field mice till the end of time. This car for me was truly love at first sight, I knew nothing about it, did not even know its name, but a deal was done, some money changed hands and this once very rusty little Fiat came home with me.

If only I had known the long journey ahead I may have hesitated. Sometimes it is best not to know. These are not easy cars to restore, especially before the internet came along. Trim parts were hard to find and still are. It took many years to get back on the road and many more to fully sort out the running. In the end it was all worth it. The Fiat 1200 spider is a jewel of a car to drive. It is not fast or powerful and does not have any amazing handling characteristics but all the controls are light as a feather. The clutch pedal can be depressed with one toe, the steering and shift lever operate with the finger tips, the top pulls up with one hand. It is a feminine car with a light feminine feel about it. Smooth and easy to drive, it fits like a glove. Of all my cars this is the most delightful to drive.