1953 Fiat 8V

The end of World War II left many factories destroyed, materials were in short supply, economies were questionable, and normal manufacturing was struggling. In a similar fashion, custom coachbuilders experienced a plethora of obstacles, including a shortage of automobiles in production that were suitable for custom bodywork. Finding lucrative contracts was difficult and in short supply. Several carrozzerie, including Pinin Farina and Bertone, landed contracts with Alfa Romeo and Lancia.

Overseas manufacturers were prime targets for the fledgling Italian coachbuilders. Virgil Exner, the head of Chrysler's design department, was impressed with the designs and skilled craftsmanship of Ghia. In the years that followed, a relationship between the two companies was cultivated. The work that resulted was beneficial for both companies - Ghia received steady cash-flow and publicity while Chrysler had the benefit of European design and fashion.

Also in the early 1950s, Fiat introduced the 8V chassis. Elio Zagato was among the first to prove that custom coachwork could be applied to this new platform. Soon, other Italian carrozzerie followed, approaching Fiat with ideas and proposals for limited-production 8V models. Ghia was one of those trying to attract the attention of Fiat. Luigi Serge, the Commercial Director of Ghia, had an idea for the 8V that was based on the designs by Giovanni Savonuzzi, the company's new Technical Director. Savonuzzi had begun his career in Fiat's aeronautical sector where he worked closely with Dante Giacosa, the man responsible for the 8V project. Savonuzzi's first automobile was the Cisitalia 202, a design that helped launch his career to new levels and enhance his reputation.

Savonuzzi's design for the Fiat 8V was a two-door coupe that drew design inspiration from previous projects and experiments. The design comprised of contemporary and modern trends in aerospace and featured streamlined forms, subtle tail fins, and a swept-back roofline. It was referred to as 'the Supersonic' and it had a radical figure that was graceful, elegant, and slightly flamboyant. It was one of the first cars to feature designs that would later become known as 'jet-age' styling.

Late in 1953, Luigi Serge was visiting Detroit to meet with Chrysler executives. While there, he showed pictures of the Savonuzzi designs to Exner. Another individual who had the pleasure of seeing these designs was Paul Farago, a designer, and engineer who was involved in Chrysler's styling department. Impressed by the designs, Farago (with support from Exner), placed the first order for a Ghia-bodied Fiat 8V Supersonic. That vehicle was chassis number 106.000035.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2019