Barchetta (United Kingdom) - AllCarIndex

The Barchetta was a small sports car produced by The Dove Company Ltd, based in East Dereham, Norfolk, between 1993 and 1996. Designed by Peter Stevens, who was known for his work on notable vehicles such as the McLaren F1 and the Jaguar XJR-15, the Barchetta 595 reflected his admiration for the classic Fiat 500.

Constructed on a Fiat 126 floorpan, the Barchetta featured a distinctive design characterized by its doorless, finely proportioned body made from a combination of glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) and Kevlar. The vehicle's aesthetic resembled a topless Fiat 500, enhanced by pronounced wheel arches that contributed to its sporty appearance.

Despite its appealing design and high-quality construction—thanks in part to The Dove Company's experience with the plastics used in the Jaguar XJ220—the Barchetta was produced in limited numbers, with only around 12 units manufactured. The kits for the car were considered expensive, particularly for a chassis-less body, which may have contributed to its rarity.