The Italian Jewel Time Forgot - The Incredible Fiat OSCA 1600S

The Fiat-Maserati that has been forgotten in time. Prettier than a Ferrari and arguably with its OSCA designed engine more true to Maserati than the V8s we know today. This is an essential part of Italy's car history.
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[@jackburtonstwin]

There seems to be a near endless supply of glorious, classic Italian cars to be examined. The exotic stuff is interesting, but it is some of Italy's sporting coupes and saloons from the 60s and 70s that are just so pretty and appealing and often hide some really interesting oily bits underneath.

[@philhawley1219]

Absolutely right. This car is so beautiful it could almost be an Alfa Romeo, apart from the Austin A40 back lights which really was a Farina motif of the era. The OSCA engine looks and sounds great. Looking at the shape of the cam covers I suspect it has gear driven cams much like the contemporary MV Agusta racing motor cycles . Number 27 never elaborated on this point. We should be told.

[@bikerman6907]

My father has a car like this, or... his car is from 1961, and its a white 1500S Osca. He bought it in Stockholm in March 1996, I went with him to pick it up, we used a car trailer behind my 1995 Toyota Hilux 2.4 diesel with aftermarket turbo and Intercooler👍😃Atm the engine is being rebuild, all new pistons bought from Holland. The body, interior, Its in beautiful condition. Cheers from me in Norway

[@ryanmccormick2150]

You've got the channel so polished.... It's amazing how much superb content you're putting out! Well done Jack 👌👍

[@Number27]

Thanks a ton!

[@ryanmccormick2150]

@@Number27 you deserve it Jack! 👏👍

[@Schlipperschlopper]

Please Fiat 2300S Coupé Abarth Coupé compare to Ford OSI 23Mts coupé both were built by OSI and styled by Ghia @@Number27

[@fredvallenet]

I couldn't agree more...

[@neilturner6749]

Interesting - I thought this was Jacks worst output for some time. He’d jumped in the car and driven off before even telling us what the car was, let alone any proper detail about it. The whole thing felt rushed, under-informative and rather shallow. Which is a real shame because this is one of the most obscure cars I’ve ever seen reviewed and it deserved so much more. Having watched the film twice to be sure, all I know is it’s an undetermined version of Fiat of an undetermined generation with a 1600 OSCA engine, and that OSCA was owned by the Maserati bothers (which is quite well known whereas this particular car isn’t- so the narrative had the wrong focus).

[@tomyost6330]

There are very few Italian cars I don't like because they put a certain touch and design to their vehicles like no other country. And they employed multiple overhead cams for more power and higher revs. Sometimes not the most reliable or durable but always so fun to drive putting smiles on faces. I'm not Italian but their cars are definitely my favorites. Thank you again for showing such a nice little classic Fiat. Peace!

[@Matt_from_Florida]

Their vintage cycles also. Gilera, MV Agusta, Ducati, etc... technically & mechanically always more modern & innovative than their British rivals.

[@terryhand]

There is something very special about the era when cars were designed by a man with a pencil and paper, rather than a computer. Really beautiful car.

[@seanoneillsongs]

Totally agree. Gorgeous from every angle and on seeing it, before you said it was a Fiat, I guessed it was a Ferrari. While the 124 coupes that followed share the proportions, this has them beat for simple elegance.

[@beatglauser9444]

Those were the times of lovely cars, specially in Italy. If I looke at this Pininfarina design you can see how Farina developed newer models, it was a kind of evolution: This Osca, the FIAT 1500 Convertible, the Peugeot 404 Convertible. All stunningly pretty cars and very related design wise.

[@MarcosCodas]

The 404 convertible is such an underrated Pininfarina gem.

[@beatglauser9444]

@@MarcosCodas A friend hat a blue metallic one. A lovely car. Even the 4d 404 was a very attractive car.

[@MarcosCodas]

@@beatglauser9444 they were! 4D were everywhere where I grew up so I didn't value it at the time (taxis), but looking back at the series 1, it looks amazing. Both Italian and French at the same time.

[@richardharrold9736]

​​@@beatglauser9444 and the nose of the IKA Torino. The 404 saloon was also a rip-off of the Austin A55/A60 Cambridge and its BMC Farina siblings...

[@beatglauser9444]

@@richardharrold9736 Yes the Cambridge looked amazingly similar. The rear was a little bit different. The Peugeot 404 convertible and the ones from Fiat were very similar as well. At least Farina knew when a design was good. And it was the car companies that gave the ok for the production of those cars. I rather have ten similar looking pretty cars on the road than a bunch of ugly ones.

[@andybroer651]

Jack, there were 6 Maserati brothers: Alfieri (1887-1932), Bindo (1883-1980), Carlo (1881-1910), Ettore (1894-1990), and Ernesto (1898-1975) and Mario (1890-1981) who designed the Trident Logo.

[@zx7rzx7r25]

What a beautiful design, such understated elegance and sophistication.

[@studiocalder818]

The double headlights are very aggressive and are a typical Italian feature; the most successful composition however remains that of the front of the Giulia Super

[@canucklehead0]

What a stunner of a car, Jack!!! I have never seen nor heard of this model before, so thanks for the review! Now I have heard the "Osca" name before, read in a car magazine years ago, but what I notice about this car in particular is the evolution of FIAT from this car. There is something in the body line that reminds me so much of the 70's and 80's FIAT 124 Spider and to some extent the early 124 coupe as well (Like the one you featured a while back, the pretty little blue one). Given the numbers these were made in I will likely never see one in person at a show, never mind in the wild, so thank-you for the lovely introduction, she's a fetching little thing!!! Take care Jack, I'll keep an eye out for the next Pantera update!! Cheers - Dave

[@bobstark184]

You’re really nailing the rarities, Jack! This is another one I remember from reading Classic and Sportscar magazine back in the nineties. Always wondered how they drove as they looked just exotic enough to quite want one. The interior is lovely and it looks way better in motion than in pictures. Almost like a scaled down 250GTE Ferrari 😊

[@ranjanaluwihare1511]

My dad had the 2300s Osca ghia in racing green & tan leather. Looked like a cross between DB5 & Jensen interceptor great & rare machine! Head gasket blew racing against 450SLC to Brighton 1978. Loved that car! Thanks Jack! 🙏🏽

[@studiocalder818]

Absolurltely wanderful

[@eljayr4669]

A beautiful looking car, it reminds me of a Gorgon Keeble.

[@sebastiend.5335]

Home from work. Cold beer. Number 27. This should be a Haiku! Greetings from the Netherlands

[@keefensera2004]

That is absolutely stunning. No bad angles, the proportions are perfect, and a beautiful simple uncluttered interior. I wouldn't change a thing. Another amazing car. You have some very high standards to maintain. Looking forward to seeing what you have to show next.

[@promerops]

I'm going back nearly 60 years now, but that steering linkage reminds me a lot of the same item in the 1957 Fiat Millecento that was my first car. The elegant body styling seems similar to that of the Lancia Flavia, with the rear lamp clusters very reminiscent of the BMC ADO 16. It's all Pininfarina! Many thanks, Jack, for one more excellent video.

[@rogerbeattie9274]

That is because the floorpan and underpinnings of this car is the Fiat 1100. I have a number of 1100s and a 1200 cabriolet and can assure you that the steering and scuttle is lifted from one to the other.

[@promerops]

@@rogerbeattie9274 Well, there we are, then! Thanks for the information!

[@StillWaters25]

Every episode is an amazing learning experience. You will never find niche content like this, in such a complete package, anywhere else. Your work is truly appreciated sir👏

[@scottyg9167]

Stunner indeed! This has to be one of my top 5 all-time most favorite. Sitting here in California lusting after it! Thanks Jack!

[@michaelpegasiou4531]

What a lovely thing,a car with soul for sure.Thanks for these cars I’ve never heard of or seen before👍

[@Number27]

Glad you enjoyed it dude!!

[@johnireland1629]

I've always loved Maserati, in all their variations and permutations. This little OSCA looks much like a Lancia. And I've always loved the MT4s. Since we are talking about Maserati...I'd love it if you would compare two versions of the same car, the 5th generation Quattroporte. A 2003-2007 early one with the F1/duo select Ferrari gear box...and than a 2008-2011 with the ZF 6 speed automatic. My understanding is that the F1 box was when Ferrari designed and built them, and the ZF came after Fiat took control of it. I guess I'm looking for someone to come to the defense of the F1 gear box. It was meant to be driven as a paddle shift sequential transmission, but if it was driven as an automatic, it complained profusely and burned up the clutch with great regularity. When does the Pantera get to its new home?

[@Ferr1963]

This car is beautiful from any angle you look at it.

[@peterdrake8392]

Very Lancia Flaminia Coupe looking, beautiful - love the gear whine in first. Loads of character. Great work as usual.

[@AntonHoward-mx9sb]

I knew of the MT4, but this 1600 is new to me. What a stunning little car.

[@RudeBoy77777]

Hats off for the designers of Italien sport cars - beauty on wheels

[@hanjomorren2678]

This is a new one for me. It's gorgeous.

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Nice video. Thank you for showcasing this car. So many cars you show I had no idea ever existed. Thank you for the history sections. Keep up the good work.

[@malcolmlane-ley2044]

This is such a beautiful car, how did it all go so wrong? My only Fiat was the Strada I had in 1981, oh dear, what a shambles it was too!

[@lesgriffiths8523]

Thank you for an excellent analysis of the " boutique" Italian automobile industry of the 50s and 60s....small firms building and designing what they wanted to .....in a setting of the peerless Pininfarina and other stylists.....and this gem is a result. Then came globalisation, economy of scale....and sadly......we know what followed. The Italians are now, and always have been, clever engineers. Even bed and butter Fiats of the era were beautiful....1500. 1800 and 2300 etc. Great video. Les Griffiths

[@czechspy5124]

That car has style and class.... your have an encylopedic knowledge, no visible script, respect to you...

[@studiocalder818]

The FIAT 1600 S (OSCA engine) was included in the normal price list and around 45,000 were sold. OSCA specialized in small, multi-cylinder and very powerful engines. The OSCA engine was then replaced in the 124 by the gloriouspowerful and very robust FIAT twin camshaft

[@colnuttall9035]

What a pretty little car. It’s so Ferrari, so Lancia and gorgeous. Thank you for featuring it on your channel. Australia

[@VV-fe8mf]

Thanks for unearthing another rare unknown auto to most of us. I think that is one the attributes of this show that is interesting and keeps me returning fr more.

[@MarcosCodas]

100hp out of 1600cc back then… quite the output!!

[@jackrice2770]

I briefly owned a '60s Fiat 1600S OSCA roadster. It had suffered some body damage and I was a poor college student looking for a sports car to replace my stolen Bugeye Sprite. Twin overhead cams,aluminum head, duel Webers, tubular exhaust...revved to the moon and went like stink! The engine seemed to rev forever, I could do 35mph in first gear. It handled nicely, not as frantic as the Sprite, more like a BMW Z3. However...lots of mechanical issues difficult or impossible to resolve without unlimited finances. The quality of the steel in the exhaust was so poor that despite several attempts by muffler shops to keep it attached to the header, the welds would not hold. Within a couple of months I blew the head gasket, which I discovered was a regular occurence, and the aluminum head had already been milled at least once due to a blown gasket. A really good mechanically inclined friend of mine and I replaced the head, all seemed fine, but couldn't get the car to run, kept firing back through the carbs. Finally gave up and took it to a Fiat shop, who discovered that some previous idiot had put the flywheel on 180 degrees out of time, so while we were lining up the cams/flywheel timing marks correctly, obviously it was out of timing. This resulted in the valves getting bent a bit with our efforts to start the thing. As you can now figure, I sold it as soon as it was running to some other poor sucker. It was a great car to drive, fast, smooth, incredibly comfortable ride for a sports car, really nice interior finish...it was a really lovely car but needed someone with a lot of money to keep it going.

[@freerkderuiter8822]

It's absolutely lovely. I'm getting more of a Lancia vibe than Ferrari, to be honest. Lovely to see it here.

[@markbray2988]

What a stunningly beautiful machine... This channel is such a treat for motoring enthusiasts. Your time and effort involved in producing these enthralling videos is much appreciated.

[@davyboy888]

Absolutely fantastic vid Jack... one of your best. You completely hit the nail on the head there about Italy. It's so sad really because like this beautiful piece of art, the products they produced back then were absolutely amazing.

[@simonelliott5956]

Another fabulous vehicle Jack, what jewel it is, stunning from every angle. It’s been a pleasure watching this channel right from the early days, through to the Influenzo and see the quality of review and the diversity of the cars you’ve had on.

[@mrdainase]

This is box office stuff Jack. Thanks for getting such a gorgeous car filmed.

[@kevmagill5163]

Jack!... These amazing cars you're getting, they're fascinating. This little OSCA is completely gorgeous. Thank you, thank you to the generous and understanding owners. I really look forward to your videos, my virtual car obsessed friend, cheers from this car obsessed viewer. 😊✌️💯

[@mairenared]

Another great video Jack. The car looks beautiful and you can tell that it drives well by the smile on your face. Keep these rarities coming!

[@RennayM]

I've just realised that this is the only KZbin channel out of the many that I'm subscribed to where I have all notifications turned on. Thank you for what you do and how you do it Jack 🎖️

[@lostcabrio]

I always enjoy it when you pronounce Italian names the proper way!

[@anthonyfmoss]

I’ve started using his pronunciation in my conversation now! 😂

[@CherylCold]

Never knew this car existed. Completely hits my soft spot for small engined and beautiful design. Thanks Jack, how was this never more mainstream? Obviously straight on the for sales, obviously wife said stop looking. (username is not my name).

[@oohmeconkers1968]

I love the cars of Italy from this period. Style, glamour and that certain something extra that the cars from the UK didn’t have. Thanks Jack keep them coming!

[@simonhjc]

Hey Jack, the live stream was fantastic yesterday. Thank you very much. Youve nailed this one and summed it up in the word “globalisation”. Im finding these as enjoyable if not more so than the original top gear. This pretty car reminds me of “breakfast at tiffanys” with all the glamour of the clothing, scenery, scooters and cars of the period. Where engineering and style were everything. Keep this going. Bravo!

[@nicce12]

Great video, what a peach! I like that you use the b-roll footage as a illustration to what you are saying while you drive - it makes the video slick and engaging. Thanks, Niclas

[@camwilliamson4940]

Amazing how far your channels come Jack! Great journalism, your passion is infectious!

[@robertoorsi5771]

Noi a quei tempi le chiamavamo "fuoriserie". "Out of series". Cioè prodotte da carrozzieri artigianali (craft) su componenti, motore e chassis di macchine di serie. This is the Fiat Lampredi engine, twin cam and emy fitted in Fiat 125, and the rear lights are those of Fiat 1500L, Fiat 1800 and Fiat 2300.

[@pepitosbazzeguti1073]

Dear Jack, your videos are always really interesting, never boring, and full of details and insights about beautiful cars. As an italian car enthusiast, although, I have to report I always feel a bit sad after I've wathed them, because they make me feel like thos fantastic years will never come back again, as the italian car industry is just a weak shadow of what it was back in the past. So thank you very much (o grazie mille, as you wish) for your commitment!

[@dinodaniel2237]

What a lovely car!

[@MrDallman]

Hi Jack, been following your channel since it’s conception….loved every video , the production goes from strength to strength and the content so varied 🇨🇮🇨🇮🇨🇮…Wonderful stuff.

[@gaufrid1956]

Superb, Jack! What beautiful cars the Farinas were!

[@theyjustwantyourmoney4539]

The ride on such classic cars as a kid was so special, the smell of the interior material with a hint of petrol after dad had worked on it 🤗

[@lambd5578]

Absolutely love your channel! Love the fact that you cover ultra exotica but also more modest but interesting cars. Your presentation is very engaging and I actually like the Italian pronunciation you employ. I subscribe to Harry’s and Tyrell’s ,and love them both, but you bring a different and pretty intoxicating dimension to the equation. Great stuff. 👍👍👍

[@donaldfedosiuk1638]

Loved this! And you're right -- not a bad angle to be found! The Fiat OSCA was the first "furrin" car I ever fell in love with when I was all of 13. Via a long road test in one of the first issues of Sports Cars Illustrated I ever bought. Of course, Road & Track had a test of the short wheelbase Berlinetta shortly afterwards, so my head was turned again. Thank you for reminding me of my first (of very many) experiences of unrequited car lust.

[@dennisnichols2411]

Wonderful car and wonderful review! I first got to know about the OSCAs when I was looking around at Fiat 1200/1500 cabrios. It strikes me that OSCA Fiats were quite influential in the development of the Lampredi twin cam and its use in the 1500's successor the 124 Spider/Coupe.

[@studiocalder818]

👍🏻👍🏻Is it so

[@danieleregoli812]

Beautiful Pininfarina shape, crazy mad engine, and a classy interior. What more can a man want?.. Your channel is the best Jack! 💛

[@MAtogable]

We had something similar in Argentina, but it was named 1500 coupe bt Vignale. This very same car, the 1600 inspired the other Argentinean icon, the Torino 380W by Pininfarina

[@MR-ys7tg]

What a nice car.

[@dantheman7357]

Hi Jack, that is exactly the type of car that I love. Gorgeous inside and out, sounds good too. Thanks for the great review.

[@larrychamel]

Beautiful Car and Well Done, Jack!!

[@albertseabra9226]

Gorgeous car! And the red car featured for a few seconds in this video was awesome! Thank you for another great video

[@motorv8N]

Glorious machine and great commentary as usual Jack!

[@federicomalignani4957]

Beautiful little jewel,best known in its spider variant,extremely elegant and classic,with interiors that could have been on a Lancia,and with a noble engine. You have been brilliant to find one!!

[@alanhunter2009]

Another great video. Your presentation is top notch and the content is too.

[@neilturner6749]

I disagree- the great, super-rare subject matter ought to have made for a fine episode of No27, but a crazily rushed narrative and barely any information on the actual car itself made for an unusually poor and very frustrating end result. Come on Jack, I know you can do so much better!

[@lanctermann7261]

That is an absolute jewel of a car. Seems like such a random success. It is indeed a beauty.

[@paula200]

What a little beauty of a car that is.

[@shogun884]

Always a pleasure to watch your content , what a beautiful car from a time when cars could also be works of art.

[@NowsNu]

Stunning little car brother, thanks for showcasing it to us. The front end reminds me a bit of a Simca! It would be awesome to do an engine conversion (upgrade) on one of these!

[@JJHurst]

Hadn't even heard of one before Jack ....just been looking at them on car and classic, another one in my hit / wish list . So thanks , kinda 😏

[@christopherscuorzo3044]

Yes, I totally agree, because Italian cars of that Era, were all so very "Beautiful," namely "The Karman Ghia," since it was an Italian designer, who worked for Volkswagen, who designed designed the Coachwork!!🌅🌄🏞🌠

[@ralphorr8138]

I love the old Fiats, my father owned a Fiat 125T and it was the first car i ever drove after i passed my license until i brought my own car, a 1963 PB Vauxhall 2600cc three on the tree. I later fitted a 4 speed floor change gearbox and modified the engine to produce 210hp. Quite the step up from the Fiat, still have a great liking for the Fiat.

[@andrewhaigh1531]

Just like a Peugeot 404 coupe to look at, especially the front! Wonderful channel - best on KZbin!

[@jscan5385]

That could pass as a genuine prancing horse, gorgeous thing.

[@daniellee9015]

Absaloutly brilliant video jack ❤👍 another Italian beauty what an amazing looking car brilliant

[@AntoniusTyas]

I've heard of O.S.C.A., but I've never heard of this Fiat-O.S.C.A.. It's gorgeous...

[@arconcritter]

It’s a lovely little gem Jack. The side profile is sublime and while it’s a phrase that’s often misapplied, with that roofline and the pitched forward front fenders, this little coupe truly does look like it’s going fast even when sitting still. Be well 😊

[@martinrichardhorrocks9869]

Gorgeous car and informed intelligent commentary. You deserve each other. Good work!

[@marvin4827]

Great job as usual. ❤ I've never came across that type of that steering linkage before, quite interesting. Keep them coming mate.❤

[@hughphillips1427]

Thank you for such an informative video, that Fiat is beautiful.

[@jacopofbargellini4005]

one of the few car channel i am eager to follow till the end

[@mikeolson7557]

Thanks for sharing this historic jewel! 😎

[@kimvibk9242]

Such a beautiful car...and the engine sound...PWOARH! 😎

[@adrianotero7963]

Very beautiful looking vehicle..... I'm not a FIAT expert by any means, but it brings to mind some 1500 Fiats when I lived in Buenos Aires many years ago....there were two variations in particular....the coupe had very similar perportions with the high beams in the grill....but the tail lights were on the rear panels not the edges of the rear rocker panel ....seams those vehicles evolved from this model......and later there was a fastback version.....1500 and also 1600....clearly they did not have these particular engines....and don't recall if they had 4 disk brakes.....most likely disk front drums rear....but this particular vehicle is stunning....

[@thatcheapguy525]

such a beautiful car. and you summed up the Italian car industry perfectly too Jack.

[@janvandijk2961]

What an interesting story and what a beautiful car!! Thanks Jack!

[@n0w3lly90]

What a beautiful little car that is

[@nkelly.9]

Nice to see that you have tempered your remarks regarding older cars and their steering accuracy.

[@hairydonuts6024]

Lovely, lovely car. Very balanced & neat. Bit like your videos Jack! Thank you!

[@michaelstaley2241]

Lovely iconic car ..

[@murrieteacher]

OH Jack thank you! I had read about this car and I tried to find one in Oz during my FIAT period. Now I get to see what it looked like. What a beautiful design. And yes I can see some prancing horse elements.

[@paulking54]

What a beauty!!! Love the Maserati link and that engine sounded pretty peachy 🍑. Coach building and craftsmanship at it's best. Great content, Thanks for driving and chatting about so many enjoyable cars. People keep those cars coming!!!

[@getlost3346]

So true, the Italian design from 1960s was incredible to see.

[@martinrichardhorrocks9869]

What's wrong with it just being a Fiat?!

[@markcompton6750]

That is beautiful Jack.

[@eziomary]

Giacomo bravo! at last you're getting at the truth about Italian cars. I'm driving my 78th car nowadays and follow you closely as you have now driven many of my old ones. Lets see some more old footage and pictures about these cars history if you can. otherwise its still great. Ezio.🤙

[@rhettcorcoran2879]

Another fascinating video, as ever.

[@gazzafloss]

Jack, your friend Nigel gets hold of some interesting cars that's for sure. Another neat rare Italian machine, love those Fiats from the '60's.

[@jimmeltonbradley1497]

Whatever the performance, all these classic Italian cars you review, range from "pretty" to "stunning" in their looks. I do like this one very much.

[@ikkenhisatsu7170]

It IS a beautiful car. Great engine, too. I love it!