1998 was the year of the big test. Would there be a market for a super-refined version of the Fiat Coupe? The '96 20v Turbo versions were reasonably successful therefore Fiat decided it was time to do a little market research - the Fiat Coupe Limited Edition was born July '98.  

The trick to capturing customers was by positioning the LE as a collectors' item. Each one would feature a plaque with a unique number. Car number one has been rumored to have been owned by Michael Schumacher.

The general look of the Coupe was enhanced by its bodykit, colour coded sideskirts and front lips. Various parts were given a titanium look as a result it's easy to tell a Limited Edition Coupe. Side mirrors, rear light surrounds, fuel filler cap, wheels and dashboard strip were coloured in this way. The front grille and headlight mountings were also coloured grey. Some like it, some don't, the thing is - it's different from all other Coupe models, and this is one of the main things that attracts LE owners.

The red starter button was another new addition. Seen before in some Ferrari's and older race-cars it seemed to make the car feel sporty and in a league of its own. One of the LE’s most distinctive features is its Recaro seats. These were not just Recaro's, they received extra style through red dyed leather. The entire interior received red insets on the doors, steering wheel, handbrake, gear lever and even the seat belts received a red colour.

The Fiat designers even managed to find room under the hood for a strut brace. Resulting in better handling and very tight cornering, especially on the circuit.