One of Chris Bangle's early works - before he moved over to either ruin or revitalise BMW's design language, depending on your point of view - the Fiat Coupe was a remarkable thing to behold.
Still stands out 20 year later
Inside especially it was achingly stylish, a body-coloured slip of metal wreathing the occupants and housing chrome-ringed dials that brought to mind a 1960s GT. OK, so everywhere else there was naff black plastic and flimsy Fiat switchgear, but none of this could take away the Coupe's feel-good factor.
Under the skin, and like many 1990s coupes, the Fiat owed much to a hatchback stablemate. In this case, it was the Tipo, with a little help from the Delta Integrale, in the form of the 190hp 16v turbo engine which powered it at launch. A naturally-aspirated 16v was also available, though both engines were replaced with five-cylinder, 20v equivalents in 1996.
The 20v Turbo, with its 220hp engine, would seem to be the most desirable of the lot. The market certainly agrees; prices for these are surging skyward at the moment, with a clean, fully historied example setting you back anywhere between £5,000 and £9,000, depending firstly on the mileage, and secondly on whether the car is a 1998-on example equipped with the excellent six-speed gearbox. Most desirable of the lot is the late LE, which had a body kit, a strut brace, upgraded brakes and Recaro sports seats.
All models recommended; Turbos most desirable
But there's also the 16v Turbo, prices for which are considerably lower, and given that their 190hp output is more than enough to be exciting, they're starting to look like an interesting alternative. Beware, however, a reputation - unfounded, some enthusiasts say - for these engines to eat themselves. With either turbo model, choose only a car that's been serviced on schedule and with a reputable Fiat specialist.
Both turbocharged models are, indubitably, costly to maintain, which is why some enthusiasts contend that the best Coupe are those without turbos. And there's a case for that; both the naturally-aspirated models are much cheaper to run than their turbocharged brethren and, of course, lack the extra mechanical complexity which brings peace of mind.
A 20v Turbo, however, is probably the one to have, despite its price and burdensome maintenance requirements; its pace, status and potential to hold or increase its value see to that. For those on the budget, though, a naturally-aspirated 20v is sprightly enough, and will allow its buyer to enjoy the fabulous looks and delightful chassis with a little less of the financial pain.
Buy if: you want Italian brio by the bucketload, and hang the expense
Don't buy if: you're planning to skimp on maintenance; a poorly-maintained Coupe is a money pit
We found: 1998 20vT LE, 92,000 miles, full service history with servicing on the dot by specialists, lightly modified, £7,495
Price Guide
Poor: £1,000
Good: £3,000 to £6,000
A1: £6,000 to £9,000