The Fiat Ritmo Bertone Supercabrio occupies a specific and underrepresented corner of Italian automotive history: a full convertible, not a targa, built on the second-series Ritmo platform by Carrozzeria Bertone on a dedicated production line. By 1986 the model was approaching the end of its run as Fiat began transitioning to the Tipo, placing this particular year-date among the final Supercabrios produced. MITICA's release in 1:18 is one of the very few accurate scale representations of this body style in this scale.
A Bertone-Built Fiat, Not a Factory Convertible
The Ritmo Supercabrio was not developed by Fiat's own body engineering team. Carrozzeria Bertone designed and built the car on a separate line, giving it a genuine coachbuilt identity that sets it apart from mainstream Ritmo saloons and hatchbacks. The second-series restyling — revised nose and tail — was introduced in 1982–83, and the Supercabrio followed that update; a 1986 car therefore carries the later, cleaner bodywork. Overall length of the second-series Ritmo is 3,975 mm.
The 100S: Top of the Supercabrio Engine Range
The 100S designation identifies the twin-cam variant of the Supercabrio. Its 1,498 cc DOHC inline-four, derived from the Fiat/Lampredi family of engines, produced approximately 100 hp (DIN) — the highest output available in the petrol Supercabrio lineup. That engine choice distinguished the 100S from lower-specification versions and connects the car to a broader line of twin-cam Fiat performance models from the same period. The red finish applied to this example was a commercially prominent colour for the Supercabrio and sits naturally within Fiat's Italian sporting identity.
MITICA Resin 1:18 — Italian Subject, Italian Maker
MITICA is an Italian manufacturer that focuses on high-detail resin 1:18 scale models of Italian road and competition cars, typically produced in short production runs. The Ritmo Bertone Supercabrio 100S is rendered in resin at 1:18, with a computed model length of 22.0 cm (3,975 mm ÷ 18 = 220.8 mm). The release is designated — an exclusive edition within Vroomi's network — making it unavailable through standard retail distribution channels.
22.0 cm on the Shelf: Context and Companions
At 22.0 cm, the model fits comfortably on a standard 1:18 display shelf, requiring approximately 25 cm of clear lateral space to account for mirror width. Its late-1980s Italian road car character places it naturally alongside 1:18 representations of the Bertone X1/9 1500, the Alfa Romeo Spider Series 3, or the Lancia Delta HF Integrale — all period-correct Italian open-top or sporting companions. For collectors building a Bertone or Fiat marque grouping, this is a distinctly scarce subject at this scale.
Frequently asked questions
How big is the 1:18 scale model?
The Fiat Ritmo second series measures 3,975 mm in overall length. Divided by 18, the model comes to approximately 22.0 cm — sufficient to require around 25 cm of display width once the bodywork and mirrors are accounted for. It sits within the standard footprint for a 1:18 road car on a collector shelf.
Does the model have opening parts?
This is a resin model; resin construction at this scale typically means a sealed, one-piece body with no opening doors, bonnet or convertible mechanism. The detail is concentrated on the exterior surfaces — body lines, soft-top, and period-correct trim. Opening parts for this specific release have not been confirmed by the manufacturer.
Who makes this model and how is it produced?
The model is made by MITICA, an Italian manufacturer specialising in 1:18 resin replicas of Italian road and racing cars. MITICA works in short production runs, and this release is designated Nostra Esclusiva, meaning it is an exclusive edition distributed through Vroomi's network.
Why is the 1986 model year significant?
By 1986 the Ritmo platform was being phased out in favour of the incoming Fiat Tipo, making 1986 Supercabrios among the last produced. Combined with the semi-coachbuilt, low-volume nature of Bertone's dedicated production line, surviving late-specification examples are uncommon.
