1953 Fiat 8V Supersonic

Introduced at the 1952 Geneva Motor Show, the 8V is a rare sports coupe produced by Fiat from 1952 to 1954 with just 114 examples made. It didn't share parts with other Fiats; as most parts were supplied by Siata. The production 8V was developed by Dante Giacosa and stylist Luigi Rapi. Its 2.0-liter V8 includes twin Weber carburetors, develop 104 horsepower through the four-speed transmission. It features fully independent suspension and four-wheel drum brakes. Cars were bodied by Zagato, Ghia, Vignale, and Fiat's own Special Body Department. While commercially unsuccessful, it did well in competition, consistently winning the Italian 2-liter GT championships.

This 8V is the Ghia-designed and bodied Supersonic Coupe, with a futuristic bodywork design credited to Giovanni Savonuzzi. Introduced in 1953 at the Turin Show, the reaction inspired a limited production of cars for the American market. However, just eight were completed making this example exceptionally rare.

This vehicle, the first 8V Supersonic produced by Ghia, features a number of distinct differences that are not found on the other 14 examples of the 'Supersonic.'

When the car was completed, it remained in continental Europe for some time, perhaps put on the show circuit and displayed at various events. When it arrived in the United States, it continued to amaze and inspire on-lookers. It was featured in several automotive publications and even spent time in Chrysler's design department.

In 1955, the car was purchased by Mr. Lazaros, who remains as the car's caretaker in modern time. The car was used for many years and was shown at numerous events. It was later stored in his garage and used sparingly. In 2011, the car was brought to auction, having just under 17,000 miles on the odometer. It is a highly original car that has been well cared for its entire life.

The car was offered for sale at the 2011 Gooding & Company auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was estimated to sell for $1,100,000 - $1,400,000. After several minutes of bidding, only two bidders remained. Both wanted the car, and they each bid strategically over a great length of time, in hopes of winning the car. It was one of the highlights of the auction, and certainly the most entertaining bidding struggle of the event. When the victor emerged, they were $1,705,000 (including buyer's premium) lighter in their wallet.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2019