1950 Fiat 1100 Cabriolet

The Turin-based coachbuilder Stabilimenti Farina was in business from 1906 until 1953. During its history it employed many important and respected Italian designers included Pietro Frua, Felice Mario Boano, Giovanni Michelotti, Alfredo Vignale, and Battista Farina, who went on to establish Pininfarina.

This Fiat 1100 Cabriolet wears coachwork by Stabilimenti Farina. It is one of a small number of examples produced and only four are known to have survived. In similar fashion to the 'Suerleggera' technique of Carrozzeria Touring, the aluminum coachwork was formed over a steel wire frame.

It was sold new in Italy to Sig. Alessandro Alexandri in the summer of 1950. Around 1952, it is believed to have been sold and used as a promotion vehicle for US Salco - and Italian cycling team. The car remained in Italy for much of its life. In the 1980s it was discovered in complete, but tired condition. A nearly twenty year restoration followed and consumed over 3,000 hours. Upon completion, the car was featured on the cover of the February 2002 issue of Auto d'Epoca.

The engine is a 1089cc overhead valve four-cylinder unit fitted with a single twin-choke Weber carburetor and delivers just over 50 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual transmission and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2019