Italian Spiders Part 2: Small Is Beautiful Too

Who has forgotten the Alfa Romeo "osso di seppia" driven by Dustin Hoffman in "The Graduate"?

That car was not merely a magnificent, exotic object – it was also a message. Yes, because every spider carries its own message: that of the small but harmonious Innocenti, a delight for women drivers, or that of the Giulietta Spider, a dream by Pininfarina made real. And then the Fiat 124 Spider, sporting and fierce with the DNA of the great rallies. Within the Fiat world there were also small jewels such as the 850 Spider and the Barchetta, not to mention the models of the 1950s. And one must not overlook the small, Americanised Bianchina Spider, the ultimate expression of "wanting but not being able to afford it." Each of them tells of an era in which every new spider represented a creative challenge, and every coachbuilder sought to convey elegance and originality even when dimensions were often minimal.

1955 – Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider

Designed by Pinin Farina, the Giulietta Spider made a decisive contribution to the international rise of Alfa Romeo, through a rare balance of elegance, lightness, and mechanical brilliance.

1960 – Autobianchi Bianchina Eden Roc

Derived from the Bianchina Cabriolet, the Eden Roc transformed the Fiat 500’s mechanicals into a small spider of distinctly Italian taste, a perfect embodiment of the atmosphere of the Dolce Vita.

1960 – Innocenti 950 Spider

Derived from the Austin-Healey Sprite yet built in Italy, it offered greater attention to finish and a more refined style, bringing the pleasure of open-top driving to a wider public. Particularly well received by female customers, it marked a moment of heightened recognition for the Innocenti of De Tomaso.

1965 – Fiat 850 Spider

Designed by Bertone, the 850 Spider brought style and enjoyment to a compact and accessible car, becoming one of Italy’s greatest commercial successes on the American market as well.

1966 – Fiat 124 Spider

Signed by Pininfarina, it combined balanced lines, excellent road manners, and reliable mechanicals. Its international success kept it in production for nearly twenty years.

1966 – Alfa Romeo Spider "Duetto"

Designed by Pininfarina, it became famous the world over for its soft, clean forms, so much so that it was nicknamed "Osso di Seppia." To this day it remains one of the most recognisable Italian spiders ever built.

1995 – Fiat Barchetta

Designed by the Centro Stile Fiat, it brought the Italian spider back into the compact sports car segment with an original line and an essential character, reinterpreting in a modern key the spirit of the great open cars of the past.