1957 Fiat 1100 Turismo Veloce

At the March 1953 Geneva Motor Show, Fiat introduced one of its first postwar automobile designs - the Nuovo 1100 (internally designated 1100/103). It succeeded the Fiat 1100 E of prewar heritage and its unit-body construction was concealed by a modern body design that was fresh and elegant. Beneath the bonnet was Fiat's yeoman 1,089-cc four-cylinder engine that had a legacy dating to the 508 C Balilla 1100 of 1937.

The more sporting 1100 TV (for Turismo Veloce or 'Fast Touring') premiered in October 1953 at the Paris Salon with an improved Tipo 103.006 engine initially offering 48 horsepower at 5,400 RPM (12 additional horsepower over the standard engine). The increase in output was due to an increase in compression from 6.7:1 to 7.4:1 and a twin-choke Weber carburetor. To dampen torsional vibrations, the propeller shaft was a two-piece unit (instead of a one-piece). By the close of 1954, output had risen to 50 rated horsepower.

Fiat's Carrozzerie Speciali 'special bodies department' created the TV's bodyshell under the guidance of Fiat's head designer, Giovanni Zoboli. They were outfitted with several distinguishable features that set them apart from the standard bodyshell. It had differently shaped tail lamps, prominent rear wings, a single front fog lamp inset in the grille, and a larger, curved rear window.

The exteriors were painted in a two-tone livery, with the wheel rims and roof in a contrasting color. The interiors housed two-tone cloth and vinyl, a tortoiseshell celluloid two-spoke steering wheel, and color-coded fully carpeting floors. The standard bench seat could be replaced with reclining bucket seats (a feature offered through the end of 1954).

The TV's effectiveness was demonstrated with class victories at the 1954 and 1955 Mille Miglia and overall victory at the 1954 Cape Town to Algiers trans-African rally. Three Fiat 1100/103 E TV's were built by Fiat's competition department for the 1957 Mille Miglia - the final of the storied race from Brescia to Rome and back. With specially tuned engines developing 55 horsepower and equipped with a twin-choke Weber 36 DCLD 3 sand-cast carburetor, they raced in the Tourism Special Class 1300 cc and Turismo Preparato (Touring Prepared) class. These works cars won both the Touring Special 1100 (Mandrini/Bertrassi) and Touring Prepared 1100 classes (Faggi).

Fiat updated the entire range of 1100/103 models in June 1956 to type code 103 E designation. The Turismo Veloce's compression increased to 8:1 resulting in a slight increase of three horsepower. TV styling was updated similarly to the standard saloons with new chrome trim and a new radiator grille with rectangular driving lamps positioned under each headlight. The exterior wore contrasting paint schemes and the interior received two-tone seat upholstery, a new dashboard with a strip speedometer, a lower padded fascia, and an ivory plastic steering wheel. The new fold-down rear backrest improved luggage space along with the relocation of the spare tire to under the floor.

Fiat 1100 TV Trasformabile

Fiat introduced a two-seat roadster body style (called the 'Trasformabile') in March of 1955 at the Geneva Motor Show. Based on the 1100 TV mechanical components, it wore a drop-top style body created by Fiat's Dipartimento Carrozzerie Derivate e Speciali with styling by the department's head engineer and designer Fabio Luigi Rapi.

A total of 571 examples were built as 'first series' Trasformabiles along with 450 examples of the 'second series.' The latter was introduced in 1956 with a slightly more powerful engine (offering three additional horsepower) along with a modified rear suspension.

The 1957 version came with a larger, 1,221cc engine and a name change to 1200 Trasformabile. Production lasted until 1959 with around 2,360 examples built.

Fiat 1100 TV coupé Pinin Farina

Carrozzeria Pininfarina offered its own two-door 2+2 coupé on the 1100 TV platform from 1954 to 1956 with approximately 780 examples built. First displayed at the 1953 Paris Salon, the one-off coupe was later entered by Umberto Agnelli at a race event held in 1954 near Turin, the Orbassano 6 hours Cup.

The Pinin Farina-bodied TV Coupes wore steel bodies with aluminum doors, boot lid, and bonnet (hood). In 1955, the design was updated with a panoramic (wraparound) rear window.

Carrozzeria Vignale

Alfredo Vignale established Carrozzeria Vignale in 1948 and it quickly earned a reputation for its modern styling and elegant creations. Catapulted to the distinction of being one of Italy's premier custom coachbuilders, they created several bodies for Fiat's Nuovo 1100 including a coupe for the 1953 Turin Show. Many of the body styles were penned by Giovanni Michelotti and built by Vignale, including the Desiree, Printemps, Charmant, Elite, and Wonderful, along with station wagons and even a taxi.

It is believed that around three examples of the Fiat 100/103 E TV Desiree Coupe were built.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe by Pininfarina
Chassis number: 103TV098941

The standard engine for the Fiat 1100 in 1957 was a four-cylinder unit that produced 40 horsepower. The Fiat 1100TV, or Turismo Veloce, raised the output to 53. The 1100TV was designed under the guidance of Fiat's head designer, Giovanni Zoboli. It was designed by Esparsa Comprenelli with the coachwork handled by Pininfarina. The Turismo Veloce Coupes, or 'fast tourers' had a graceful and stylish body that rested on a standard 1100 sedan frame. It used the transmission from the sedan, along with a tuned version of the engine, with a top speed of over 80 mph. Zero-to-sixty was not too exciting, at around 26 seconds.

The Fiat 1100 TV was debuted to the world at the Paris Motor Show in 1953. Pininfarina handed the construction from 1954 to 1957. In the capable hands of Luciano Ciolfi, the car captured the Italian Touring Championship.

There were only 126 Pininfarina Fiat 1100 TV Coupes produced, whereas over half a million 110 sedan were created by Fiat.

This example with chassis number 103TV098941 is the 14th created. It was formed from mostly hand-built practices by Pininfarina. It was formerly in the collection of Robert Vanarelli, a famous Como Lago rally driver, and was later imported into the United States by Franco Manetti.

It has been treated to a restoration since new, though it now is an older restoration but still shows well in modern times. It is finished in dark blue with a two-tone blue over cream interior.

In 2007 it was brought to the Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by RM Auctions, where it had an estimated value of $40,000 - $50,000. It was offered without reserve and sold for a high bid of $51,700 including buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe by Vignale
Chassis number: 103E127*332266

This is a TV (Turismo Veloce) and not a standard Fiat 1100/103 model. It has a special engine tuned for the Mille Miglia where it was entered several times in the 'Categoria Turismo'. The engine is 55 hp instead of 40 hp in the standard model with a special Weber 36 DCLD 3 carburetor made of the same design as those installed on Ferraris and Maseratis. This type of carburetor is called 'fuso in terra' which means 'fused in the land' because Weber made it with a special construction process. The 1100 TV models were built by Fiat Special Department for participation in competitions during the 1953 to 1957 period. Giovanni Michelotti, one of the most important free-lance designers in automotive history, designed this car. He also designed early Ferraris, Maseratis and Alfa Romeos.

In 1937 Fiat introduced an updated version of their 508 Balilla, more commonly known as the 508C, with the 1100. The Fiat 1100 had a similar design to the Fiat 500 Topolino and the 1500. A four-cylinder 1089cc engine with overhead valves provided the power and powered the rear wheels through a four-speed gearbox.

The Fiat 1100B was introduced when the 1100 was treated to partial restyling around the front end. The 1100B was nicknamed the '1100 Musone', meaning big nose.

When the Second World War came to a close, the new iteration of the 1100 was soon introduced. It was given a curvy trunk and the name '1100E'.

The 1100 was treated to a redesign in 1953 resulting in a four-door sedan configuration with a monocoque bodywork and integrated front lights. This new model was dubbed the 1100/103 after its project number. This version was offered in two varieties, a 'economica' meaning cheaper and the 'normale' meaning the standard. A sporty version was later introduced, the 1100TV meaning Turismo Veloce in coupe configuration. A station wagon version with a fifth door was later added.

In 1959 a special version known as the 1100 Granluce, meaning Large Light, was introduced. It had fin-tails and very wide windows. It could even be fitted with a new 1200 cc engine.

From 1956 through 1960 the 1100 was treated to slight aesthetic changes. It even sported small fin-tails with spear-shaped backlights for a period of time.

In 1962 Fiat introduced the third generation of the 1100 dubbed the 1100D. It was a four-door sedan similar to the Granluce but with toned-down styling and a simpler front end. This version continued in production until 1966 when the Fiat 124 was introduced. Prior to the introduction of the 124, Fiat introduced the 1100R, meaning Rinnovato. It was longer and had a square back and a front end similar to the Fiat 124. It remained in production until 1969 when it was succeeded by the Fiat 128.

by Dan Vaughan

Produced by the legendary Italian carmaker Fiat, the compact 1100 was produced from 1937 through 1969. The 1100 began its life as an updated version of the 508 'Balilla' and a dual identity as the 508C. With similar looks to the 1936 Fiat 500 'Topolino' and the bigger 1500, the 1100 featured the characteristic heart-shaped front grille and styling by up-and-coming designer Dante Giacosa.

Under the hood was a 1,089 cc four-cylinder overhead-valve engine and drive arrived at the rear wheels via a four-speed gearbox. The 1100 was praised for its comfortable ride, an impressive performance for the time, and exceptional handling. The 1100 underwent a substantial redesign that involved a revamped front end, new streamlined window-shaped louvres and a new name, the 1100B. The redesigned model also received the nickname '1100 musone' or 'big nose'. Once again the 1100 received a new moniker following WWII in 1949 when the car was redesigned with a curvy trunk and the name 1100E. Used mainly for vans and taxis, the 508C and 1100B were available as the long-wheelbase 508L.

Entirely redesigned as a compact four-door sedan in 1953 the 1100 received its new name, 1100/103 after its project number. Along with modern monocoque bodywork, the 1100/103 featured integrated front lights and was available in two different versions; the 'economica' and 'normale'. The 'cheaper' and 'standard' models were joined with a sporty version in the fall of 1953, the 1100TV (Turismo Veloce). This sporty sibling featured a third light in the middle of the grille a bumped up 50 PS (37 kW) in place of the normal 36 PS (26 kW) of the regular models. Drivers could opt for the station-wagon version also with a side-hinged fifth door at the rear.

Debuting at the Geneva Motor Show in March of 1955 was the 1100/103 Trasformabile. A two-seater roadster, the Trasformabile took its design from America and was created by the special bodies division of Fiat (Sezione Carrozzerie Speciali). A total of 571 of these first series were produced and were equipped with the mechanics from the 1100TV. A more robust engine was introduced in 1956 with an additional three more horsepower and an updated rear suspension. 450 more of these updated models were built. The following year the model came with an even more powerful 55 PS (40 kW) '1200' engine with 1,221 cc. Until 1959 production continued with a total of 2,360 of the 1.2-liter Trasformabiles constructed. The biggest difference with the 1.2 was larger headlights and slight modifications to the front and rear design.

Various updates occurred between 1956 and 1960 that included a newly designed grille, dual-color dressing, a newly designed grille, and small fintails with spear-shaped backlights. Introduced in 1959 was the 1100 Granluce ('Large light'), a special version without the rear-hinged doors that featured both fintails and wider windows. One could outfit the Granluce with a new powerful 1,221 cc engine. From 1955 through 1958 the Fiat 1100/103 was also assembled by Premier Automobiles Limited (PAL) in India at its Kurla, Bombay plant. Millecento was the designation of the older model, and the Elegant featured the center light on its front grille. The fintail model debuted as the Millecento in 1958, closely followed by the Select, and then four years later the Super Select arrived in 1962.

The third generation of the 1100 was introduced in 1962, the 1100 D (Delight). Comfortable and plain, the four-door sedan shared many similarities with the Granluce but featured a new simpler rectangular front end and more basic sides. During the early sixties, the 1100D was a popular Italian standard. The 1100D had its own Estate or Family car version and a Deluxe model that featured a healthy high performance of 50 PS (37 kW), front bench seat with two reclining back, carpet floor mats, and additional side moldings. Until 1966 these vehicles continued on without any major updates. It wasn't until the arrival of the revolutionary 124 that the 1100 had to step it up style-wise.

Premier Automobiles Limited manufactured the Fiat 1100D under license in India in 1964. Originally the car was marketed as the Fiat 1100D, as the Premier President for 1972, and the Premier Padmini from 1974 until 2000 when it was discontinued. A diesel version with a 1366 cc diesel engine was badged as the Premier Padmini 137D in 1993. This version was produced in collaboration with FNM from Italy. Premier Automobiles manufacturing plant closed down in 2000.

The final 1100 model was the 1967 Fiat 1100R (Rinnovata). Featuring similar front styling as the Fiat 124, the 1100R arrived on the scene longer and sleeker with a squared back. The vestigial fins were designed much more hidden than before and the vertical form rear light cluster from the 1100D was replaced with the simple round ones from the Fiat 850. To avoid an overlap with the 124 the 1100R was only available with the senior 1,089 cc engine. With an output of 48 bhp (36 kW) the engine had a compression ratio of 8:1. Though the clutch and gearbox remained basically the same, a floor-mounted gear lever returned and was situated between the front seats and connected to the gearbox with a rod linkage system. Fiat enthusiasts praised this update. Between the differential and the gearbox the propeller shaft was now separated into two parts and three couplings.

Another thankful change for the 1100R was the expanded trunk due to the car's overall lengthening. The fuel tank was placed in the right rear wing and the spare wheel was now found under the floor. For an additional £8 in the UK, reclining front seats could be an option. In 1969 the new middle-class Fiat 128 replaced the 1100R.

In 1957 the 1100T was available as a pickup, van, and bus. Powered by an in-line engine with 1,089 cc (type 103 D.007) with 38 PS (28 kW) at 4800 rpm, the 1100T had a top speed of 56 mph. The Fiat 1100 T2 replaced this vehicle in 1959 and featured a boost of power with a 45 PS (33 kW) 1,222 cc engine). Production of this range continued on smoothly until 1971 when the production of the 1100 T4 ceased.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat_1100

by Jessican Donaldson