1959 FIAT-Osca 1500 Coupe

no reserve
31 Bids 49 Following Highest bidder - BOB0311
Ends 6:30 PM, 18 Dec 2025
Current Bid

€7,877

no reserve
BOB0311

Freddie's review

Freddie Woodd - Consignment Specialist Message Freddie

“ A supremely rare and beautifully designed Italian coupe. ”

The beauty and undeniable class of this exquisite car are matched only by its rarity.

Background

In 1937 the three surviving Maserati brothers sold out to the Orsi Group and, after WW2, founded Officine Specializzate per la Costruzione Automobili Fratelli Maserati - OSCA for short - to build limited edition competition cars. 

One of the reasons for the Maserati brothers' departure was that they did not want to be involved in making road cars - they were racers pure and simple.

SCAs performed magnificently in international sports car racing throughout the 1950s. 

In the 1954 Sebring 12-Hours, privately entered 1.5-litre OSCAs finished 1st, 4th and 5th against works teams in a category with no limit on engine capacity, an achievement as outstanding as it was unexpected. 

OSCAs took class wins in the Mille Miglia on ten occasions and also won the Index of Performance at Le Mans.

OSCA was a tiny company, never making more than 30 cars in a single year, all of which were intended for competition. 

Its first offering, introduced in 1948, was the MT4 (Maserati Tipo 4), a small siluro powered by a 1,092cc overhead-camshaft engine, which was immediately successful in the hands of Luigi Villoresi. 

Enlarged in stages up to 1,491cc and given a twin-cam cylinder head, the OSCA engine was later taken up by FIAT, for whom it was 'productionized' by ex-Ferrari designer, Aurelio Lampredi.

Barchetta-type bodywork replaced the earlier cycle-winged siluro type in the 1950s while a number of MT4 chassis received coupé coachwork by various carrozzeria including Frua, Michelotti, Vignale, Viotti and Zagato. The MT4 gradually evolved into the TN, the latter featuring a revised chassis (on the same 2,200mm wheelbase) and a new and more powerful (125bhp) 1,491cc engine. The MT4/TN series was manufactured up to 1957.

At the same time as its twin-cam engine was powering FIAT's range-topping sports cars, OSCA began producing its own GT cars, reversing the policy that had prompted the brothers to leave Maserati. OSCA's 1600 GT was built around a tubular-steel spaceframe chassis equipped with the same engine in a higher state of tune. 

Concurrently with its own 1600 GT, the firm also built special versions of the FIAT 1500/1600, many of which were made as closed coupés, a style not offered by FIAT. 

In 1963 the Maserati brothers sold out to motorcycle maker MV-Agusta, which continued OSCA production until 1967. 

Key Facts

  • Acquired in 1992
  • Extremely Pretty and Understated
  • Restored in Current Ownership
  • 005509
  • 93,587 kms (indicated)
  • 1491cc
  • manual
  • Dark Blue
  • Dark Red Leather
  • Left-hand drive
  • Petrol
Vehicle location
Athens, Greece

Background

In 1937 the three surviving Maserati brothers sold out to the Orsi Group and, after WW2, founded Officine Specializzate per la Costruzione Automobili Fratelli Maserati - OSCA for short - to build limited edition competition cars. 

One of the reasons for the Maserati brothers' departure was that they did not want to be involved in making road cars - they were racers pure and simple.

SCAs performed magnificently in international sports car racing throughout the 1950s. 

In the 1954 Sebring 12-Hours, privately entered 1.5-litre OSCAs finished 1st, 4th and 5th against works teams in a category with no limit on engine capacity, an achievement as outstanding as it was unexpected. 

OSCAs took class wins in the Mille Miglia on ten occasions and also won the Index of Performance at Le Mans.

OSCA was a tiny company, never making more than 30 cars in a single year, all of which were intended for competition. 

Its first offering, introduced in 1948, was the MT4 (Maserati Tipo 4), a small siluro powered by a 1,092cc overhead-camshaft engine, which was immediately successful in the hands of Luigi Villoresi. 

Enlarged in stages up to 1,491cc and given a twin-cam cylinder head, the OSCA engine was later taken up by FIAT, for whom it was 'productionized' by ex-Ferrari designer, Aurelio Lampredi.

Barchetta-type bodywork replaced the earlier cycle-winged siluro type in the 1950s while a number of MT4 chassis received coupé coachwork by various carrozzeria including Frua, Michelotti, Vignale, Viotti and Zagato. The MT4 gradually evolved into the TN, the latter featuring a revised chassis (on the same 2,200mm wheelbase) and a new and more powerful (125bhp) 1,491cc engine. The MT4/TN series was manufactured up to 1957.

At the same time as its twin-cam engine was powering FIAT's range-topping sports cars, OSCA began producing its own GT cars, reversing the policy that had prompted the brothers to leave Maserati. OSCA's 1600 GT was built around a tubular-steel spaceframe chassis equipped with the same engine in a higher state of tune. 

Concurrently with its own 1600 GT, the firm also built special versions of the FIAT 1500/1600, many of which were made as closed coupés, a style not offered by FIAT. 

In 1963 the Maserati brothers sold out to motorcycle maker MV-Agusta, which continued OSCA production until 1967. 

Overview

The car is being sold as part of a large private collection. It has been on static display as a museum exhibit for a number of years so, consequently, our assessment of it is made purely on the grounds of its appearance. 

It will require recommissioning and is sold strictly as seen. The only history or paperwork available is displayed in the photo gallery.  In most cases the papers shown are photocopies, unless otherwise stated. 

The cars, while located in Greece, may be subject to your local rate of import VAT.

Please contact freddie.woodd@bonhams.com should you have further questions.

Estimates vary, but many point to a production run of no more than 80 Fiat 1500S OSCA Coupés.

This stunning vehicle has been thoroughly between 2006 and 2009, with further work carried out in 2013; however it has been on static display since and we would therefore advise recommissioning will be required.

In common with other GTs from a classic era of Italian design, this beautifully proportioned coupé has an elegant, uncluttered simplicity that sets it apart from today’s rather more steroidal, spoiler covered creations. 

What ultimately distinguishes this model and example from its stablemates of the same era is, of course, its exceptional rarity and exclusivity. 

Exterior

The car’s pure, stylish lines appear to be untroubled by any dents, dinks, creases or other aberrations – all and any of which will have been dealt with during its bare-metal restoration.

The shut lines and panel gaps look crisp and consistent, and the dark blue paintwork has plenty of shine and lustre.

The wire wheels, lights, lenses, badging and other exterior fixtures and fittings all look to be beyond criticism, including the quick-release boot latches, which are perhaps a nod to the racing heritage and pedigree of the Maserati brothers.

Interior

The interior has an elegance and simplicity of line to match that of the exterior.

Upholstered in soft, dark red leather, the car features bucket seats at the front.

They, along with the door cards and other trim, were re-upholstered during the restoration and will have seen little or no use since that time. 

The boot looks to be in excellent condition and contains a spare wire wheel.

The steering wheel, other controls, dials, switches, levers and buttons appear to be in very good order, save for a little foxing around the rim of the speedometer/odometer.

Having neither started nor driven the car, we can’t vouch for the efficacy of any controls, switches, gauges, dials or other mechanical or electrical systems and components.

Mechanical

Everything in the engine bay looks clean, dry, orderly, present and correct, including the charming O.S.C.A-badged air filter housing.

There are numerous photographs showing the engine disassembled during the restoration.

The vendor has advised us that 'The car requires further engine repairs in order to be fully operational.'

History

We understand that the car was acquired for the collection in 1992.

The documentation incudes a list of the work carried out at various dates.

It also contains numerous photographs attesting to the work undertaken during the restoration process. 

Summary

The beauty and undeniable class of this exquisite car are matched only by its rarity.

The successful bidder will be joining a very small and exclusive club of owners.

We don’t expect to see another Fiat 1500S OSCA Coupé any time soon.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of €40,000 - €60,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Athens, Greece. To arrange an appointment to inspect this vehicle, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

 

About this auction

Estimated value

€40,000 - €60,000

Seller

Private: hmm
Buyer's Premium
7% of the winning bid (minimum €800), plus 20% VAT on the Premium only.


Viewings Welcome

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and is strictly by appointment. To book one in the diary, please get in contact.

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