ELEGANTLY ITALIAN

We drive a stylish, compact Italian sports car from the middle of the 20th century, quite possibly the only one of its kind in South Africa

Compact, elegant and sporty. These are some of the words that came C to mind as I laid eyes on the rare 1957 Fiat 1200 Trasformabile for the first time. This beautiful and compact convertible is arguably one of the rarest classic Fiat models in South Africa.

Owner Ivo Sega has a wicked sense of humour that constantly keeps you laughing. He is the restorer and manager behind Carrozzeria Ferrari, Scuderia South Africa's official panel shop. To most folks taking in this particular Trasformabile, it looks as though it has been meticulously restored to near-concours condition. Ivo pointed out a thing or two that don't quite meet his exacting standards, but for a car from the late 1950s restored several years ago, it presents itself as a beautiful classic.

Before I climbed in, Ivo divulged its history. "The car once belonged to the uncle of my mechanic, Roberto. I saw the vehicle but, at the time, he didn't want to sell it. A couple of years later, he phoned and offered it to me and I bought it." That was 15 years ago. Ivo admits there were, and still are, some period-correct items missing, but it is difficult to acquire parts. "When I bought it, the seats had to be retrimmed in the correct material and colour, which I ordered from the USA." Today, these two-tone seats look and feel the part. Enthusiasts love it. During a visit to the Vintage and Veteran Club in Gauteng, he was surprised by the number of people who showed interest in the car. It seems understandable, because it is rather rare. It was designed by Pininfarina, after all, which translates into a stunning little roadster.