One-off,

1955 FIAT 1100 Turismo Veloce Series 1 Coupé

Coachwork by Carrozzeria Vignale Chassis no. 127637

Footnotes

This sporting FIAT 1100/103-based coupé was built on the regular TV (Turismo Veloce or Fast Touring) 50bhp chassis. Designed by Giovanni Michelotti and made by Carrozzeria Vignale in 1954, it is the only one of its kind. This car marked the first step towards the FIAT 1100 Charmant coupé, one of Vignale's first limited edition production runs, while the same bodywork was also used by SIATA for their 1100 GT.

Premiered at the Paris Salon in 1953, the TV (Turismo Veloce) was the higher performance version of the newly introduced FIAT 1100/104 Berlina (saloon). Introduced at the Geneva Salon earlier the same year, the latter featured unitary construction of the body/chassis and was powered by an entirely new 1,089cc overhead-valve four-cylinder engine. For the TV, power was raised from 36 to 50bhp, giving the car a top speed of 135km/h. The TV was raced extensively by FIAT's more sporting customers, its most prestigious victories including class wins at the Mille Miglia in 1954 and 1955.

This matching-numbers car was registered by its first owner, Dr Bruni Nino from La Spezia, Italy on 17th February 1955. It stayed in Italy in the hands of various owners (full list available) until 1989 when it was restored, becoming a permanent member of the prestigious Sportitalia Team. Subsequently the FIAT went to Austria where it was owned by two well-known collectors: Mr Reinhard Ortner and Doctor Gerald Anton Schön, who in 2012 refreshed the previous restoration and fitted Borrani wheels. The current owner has just had the car serviced and the engine completely overhauled. We are advised that it is very reliable and adequately powerful, weighing only 850kg.

This unique car is regularly invited to prestigious Concours d'Élégance events such as Firenze in September 2012 (organised by Unique Special Ones), Paleis Soestdijk in the Netherlands, and Château de Chantilly in France, winning several prizes. The car is offered with a comprehensive history, Belgian Carte Grise, valid MOT, FIA papers, and a Fiche d'Identita per Autovetture Storiche from the Commissione Sportiva Automobilistica Italiana. A wonderful opportunity to acquire a unique coachbuilt FIAT eligible for the Mille Miglia.