This mid-engined targa-top sports car was introduced in 1972 as a compact, wedge-shaped two-seater aimed at making exotic-looking, rear-biased performance more accessible. Styled by Bertone and developed from Fiat’s small-car mechanical parts bin, it stood apart from the company’s mainstream hatchbacks and sedans by putting the engine ahead of the rear axle and the cabin low between the wheels. That layout gave it a distinctive character and helped make it one of the most recognizable Italian sports cars of its era.
The car reached the market in the early 1970s and built a reputation for clever packaging, everyday usability, and sharp styling rather than outright power. It became especially well known in export markets, including the United States, where its combination of modest price and mid-engine layout made it unusual for the period. Over time, the model evolved through several series and mechanical updates while retaining the same basic concept and body style.
Production continued under the original manufacturer through the 1970s and early 1980s, then carried on after Bertone took over full production and branding for the later cars. The nameplate remained in continuous production until 1989, making it a long-lived enthusiast favorite and an important chapter in Italian sports-car history. Its legacy rests on its accessible mid-engine architecture, its Bertone design, and its status as one of the few affordable targa sports cars to achieve lasting cult appeal.