In the film "The Taming of the Shrew" (1967) with Adriano Celentano and Claudia Cardinale, the main role is played not only by the cast, but also red convertible Fiat 1200 Cabriolet Pininfarina - a car that became a symbol of Italian style in the 1960s. It is this model that appears in the iconic chase scene, where Celentano’s hero chases his bride on a motorcycle Vespa. However, many people mistakenly confuse the car with other Italian convertibles of that period - for example, with Alfa Romeo Spider or Lancia Fulvia. To fully understand, let's look at the technical details, the history of the car's appearance in the film and its modern value for collectors.

The film was shot in 1967, but the action takes place in the realities of the Italian province, where cars were not just transport, but part of the culture. Fiat 1200 Cabriolet - this was not a random choice of the director: the car perfectly conveyed the spirit of the time - elegance, freedom and a little recklessness. Today such specimens are a rarity, and their price at auctions reaches up to €50 000–80 000 depending on the condition. But how to distinguish an original from a replica, and where can you find such a car now?

The exact model of the car from the film: Fiat 1200 Cabriolet Pininfarina

Fiat 1200 Cabriolet - this is not just “some red car”, but a specific modification released Pininfarina (the legendary Italian studio that collaborated with Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and Lancia). The car was produced with 1957 to 1961, but in the 1967 film one of the last batches or an already used copy was used - this can be seen from the body parts. Here are the key features of the model:
  • 🔧 Engine: 1.2-liter inline 4-cylinder, 55 hp. (by the standards of those years this was enough for dynamic driving).
  • 🎨 Design: The body was designed by Battista Pininfarina himself, the founder of the studio. Characteristic features: rounded headlights, chrome radiator grille, “tails” on the rear fenders.
  • 🚗 Transmission: 4-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel drive.
  • 💺 Interior: Leather seats, wooden inserts on the dashboard, steering wheel with chrome trim.
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If you are looking for such a car, pay attention to the VIN code: original Fiat 1200 Cabriolet have numbers starting with 106* or 118*. Counterfeits often reveal themselves by the absence of a nameplate. Pininfarina on the body.

⚠️ Attention: In some scenes of the film, the car looks slightly different - this is due to the fact that filming was carried out in several stages, and different copies could be used (possibly even with minor modifications).

Why Fiat 1200 and not another car?

Director Luciano Salce chose Fiat 1200 Cabriolet not by chance. This was influenced by several factors:

  1. Italian flavor. The film has a southern Italian feel to it, and the local car added to the authenticity.
  2. Status symbol. In the 1960s Fiat 1200 was a car for wealthy people - not a luxury, but not a budget option either.
  3. Practical for filming. The convertible allowed cameramen to film actors from different angles without losing the dynamics of the scenes.

It is interesting that in Shakespeare's original play (The Taming of the Shrew), transport is not mentioned at all - this is a purely cinematic decision. However, after the film's release Fiat 1200 Cabriolet became associated with the image of “free Italian life,” which was later used in advertising and other paintings.

Technical problems of the Fiat 1200 Cabriolet: what broke most often

Despite its legendary status, Fiat 1200 Cabriolet had “illnesses” typical of his time. If you are planning to buy such a car, pay attention to the following components:

Problem node Typical faults Repair cost (2026)
Body Corrosion of sills, wings and bottom (especially in welding areas). From €3,000 (partial renovation) to €15,000 (complete restoration).
Engine Worn piston rings, oil leakage through crankshaft seals. €1,500–€4,000 (depending on wear and tear).
Electrics Contact oxidation, generator failure, ignition problems. €500–€2,000 (replacement wiring + diagnostics).
Suspension Wear of silent blocks, shock absorbers, springs (especially on cars with mileage >100 thousand km). €800–€2 500.
⚠️ Attention: Many owners replace original parts with modern analogues (for example, they install electronic ignition instead of contact ignition). This simplifies operation, but reduces the collectible value of the car.
📊 Which aspect of the Fiat 1200 Cabriolet interests you most?
Model history
Specifications
Where to buy today
Restoration and tuning

Where can you buy the Fiat 1200 Cabriolet from the film today?

Find original Fiat 1200 Cabriolet in good condition - not an easy task. Here are the main sites and methods:

  • 🌍 Foreign auctions:
    • Bring a Trailer (USA) - Rare European models appear frequently.
    • Bonhams or Sotheby’s - for copies with history (for example, those who participated in films).
  • 🇮🇹 Italian sites: Subito.it, AutoScout24 Italia — here the chances of finding a car with a “pedigree” are higher.
  • 🛠️ Vintage car clubs: For example, Fiat Classic Club or Pininfarina Owners Group — Club members often sell cars “hand to hand.”
  • 💰 Price range (2026):
    • Restoration project: €15,000–€25,000.
    • Good condition (“driver”): €30,000–€50,000.
    • Competition copy: €60,000–€100,000+.
How to check the authenticity of a Fiat 1200 Cabriolet?

The original cars have:

1. Sign Pininfarina on the body (usually under the hood or on the door pillar).

2. Compliance of the VIN code with the database Fiat Classic Registry.

3. Documents with ownership history (preferably from the 1960s).

4. Original parts: steering wheel with logo Fiat, dashboard with wood inserts, chrome moldings.

If the seller refuses to provide this data, there is a high probability of a replica or deep alteration.

Restoration of Fiat 1200 Cabriolet: step-by-step instructions

If you are lucky enough to find Fiat 1200 Cabriolet, but the car requires repairs, here are the main stages of restoration:

Assess the degree of body corrosion|Check compression in the cylinders|Remove the interior trim to check for hidden defects|Find original spare parts or high-quality replicas-->

  1. Body diagnostics. Use ultrasonic thickness gauge to detect hidden rust. Pay special attention to:
    • Thresholds and side members.
    • Wings (often rot from the inside).
    • The bottom (especially in the suspension mounting area).
  2. Engine repair. Typical work:
    • Replacement of piston rings and liners.
    • Crankshaft groove (if there is any play).
    • Carburetor settings Weber 32DCS.
  • Interior restoration. Original leather for seats today costs from €1,500 per set, but you can order reupholstery from retro car specialists.
  • Painting. The color of the car from the movie - "Rosso Corsa" (racing red), code Fiat 511/A. It is important to use nitro enamel or modern analogues with the correct gloss.
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    The main rule of restoration: do not replace original parts unless absolutely necessary. Even a worn door handle or worn steering wheel increases the historical value of the car.

    Alternatives to Fiat 1200 Cabriolet: what to choose if the original is not available

    If your budget or availability does not allow you to buy an original Fiat 1200 Cabriolet, consider these analogues:

    Model Similarities with Fiat 1200 Pros Cons
    Lancia Appia Cabriolet (1957–1963) Similar design, Italian production More reliable engine (V4), better handling Less common, spare parts more expensive
    Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider (1955–1962) Sporty character, open top More powerful engine (up to 100 hp), legendary status Price is higher (from €40,000), more difficult to maintain
    Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Cabriolet (1957–1974) Retro design, accessibility Easier to repair, cheaper (from €20,000) Less Italian character, weaker engine

    If the goal is to replicate the atmosphere of the film as much as possible, it is better to look for Fiat or Lancia. Alfa Romeo suitable for those who want more dynamics, and Karmann Ghia — a budget option for daily use.

    Buying a vintage car abroad is only half the battle. To legally operate Fiat 1200 Cabriolet in Russia or Europe, you need to consider the following points:

    • 📄 In Russia:
      • A car over 30 years old can be registered as "collectible transport" (Government Decree No. 1765 of 2019).
      • Required PTS with a mark of collectible value (issued through the traffic police).
      • Luxury tax does not apply, but must be paid transport tax (rate depends on power).
    • 🇪🇺 In Europe (using the example of Italy/Germany):
      • In Italy, retro cars (auto d’epoca) are exempt from tax after 20 years, but require passing ASI revisions (Italian equivalent of technical inspection for classics).
      • In Germany, a car over 30 years old receives «H-Kennzeichen» (historical status), which gives discounts on insurance.
    ⚠️ Attention: When importing a retro car to Russia you will have to pay customs clearance (about 30–50% of the cost) and recycling fee (≈ €1,000). To avoid problems, register your car through specialized companies (for example, Retro Auto Import).

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the car from The Taming of the Shrew

    🔍 How much does the original Fiat 1200 Cabriolet cost today?

    Price depends on condition:

    • Restoration project: €15 000–€25 000.
    • In good condition (“driver”): €30 000–€50 000.
    • Competition copy: €60,000–€100,000+ (especially if the car has a film history).

    At auctions Bring a Trailer or Bonhams prices may be higher due to competition among collectors.

    🛠️ Is it possible to drive a Fiat 1200 Cabriolet daily?

    Technically yes, but with caveats:

    • The engine is rather weak for modern traffic (maximum speed is 130 km/h).
    • The lack of power steering and brakes takes some getting used to.
    • Spare parts will have to be ordered from Italy or made to order (expensive and time-consuming).

    Most owners use the car only for outdoor events or vintage car parades.

    🎬 Where else was the Fiat 1200 Cabriolet filmed?

    In addition to The Taming of the Shrew, the car appeared in:

    • "Roman Holiday" (1953) - a similar convertible flashes in the frame (but it was Fiat 1100).
    • "Sweet Life" (1960, Federico Fellini) - as an extra.
    • Italian comedies of the 1960s (for example, «Il Sorpasso», 1962).

    However, it was The Taming of the Shrew that made the model a cult favorite.

    🔧 What oil to pour into the Fiat 1200 Cabriolet engine?

    Original recommendations Fiat:

    • Summer: Mineral oil SAE 30 or 20W-50 (for example, Castrol Classic).
    • Winter: SAE 20 or 15W-40 (at temperatures below +5°C).
    • Synthetic: Not recommended - may damage old seals.

    You need to change the oil every 3,000 km (due to the lack of an oil filter in early models).

    🚘 Is it possible to install a modern engine in a Fiat 1200 Cabriolet?

    Yes, but this is a controversial tuning:

    • Pros: The dynamics will improve (for example, the engine from Fiat 124 or Lancia Beta).
    • Cons:
      • The collectible value will decrease.
      • Reworking of fastenings and electrics will be required.
      • In some countries (eg Italy) such modifications are prohibited for cars with historical status.

    Alternative - boosting the original engine (block boring, sports camshafts).