1953 Fiat 8V Otto Vu by Vignale for sale at Veni Vidi Vici Classic Cars - #Fiat #Vignale #forsale #Classiccars #cars
1953 Fiat 8V Otto Vu by Vignale
Seller's description
Chassis n° 106*000046
Engine n° 000149
Engine n° 000149
- Highly exclusive model
- Sublime Vignale body designed by Michelotti
- Superb presentation
- Sublime Vignale body designed by Michelotti
- Superb presentation
The 1,996cc V8 engine of the Fiat 8V, known as the "Otto Vu", was the work of Dante Giacosa and was highly original, with its raised exhaust. Agile and powerful, the engine made its debut in 1952 on the Siata 208 CS before being used on the Fiat 8V. The Fiat, designed to promote the marque's image, clocked up considerable sporting successes, which included winning the 1954 Italian GT Championship in the 2 litre category. With a tubular chassis, the car was equipped with all round independent suspension. Despite its promising qualities, Fiat decided to end its career in 1954. In addition to the streamlined body developed by Fiat, several Italian coachbuilders tried out their talents on the chassis.
This was the case with the exceptional coupé that we are delighted to present, which was the first of thirteen examples bodied by Vignale. The design, a subtle combination of aggression, sportiness and elegance, was the work of Michelotti, who was an unconventional character and known for spectacular creations, such as the famous "Démon Rouge" which was also based on the 8V.
The car on offer was delivered new on 14 August 1953 to Pietro Melchionni, from the town of Alessandria in north Italy. It was presented in metallic beige with red roof. Copies of the Italian PRA from that period show that two years later, on 12 September 1955, the car was sold to a driver from Turin, Alfredo Mascarello, who in turn, sold it at the end of the same year to racing driver Alfredo Pallavadini, who had the car re-liveried in black. The next owner, Giovanni Giovenco, kept the black roof, but chose to paint the car red below the waistline of the body. The car changed hands twice more before becoming the property of a young 26 year old playboy by the name of Enrico Fabbri, who used it for trips to beaches along the Adriatic coast. In 1965, it was sold to Vittorio Steiner and in 1966 to Primo Salvadori. At that time it was metallic grey with black roof. M. Salvadori kept the car for 19 years, until 19 June 1985 when it passed to Margherita Dona. At the start of the 1960s, the original engine, n°000069, had been replaced by one from the second series, n°000149, which had participated in the 1955 Mille Miglia. In 1997, Mme Dona sold this unique car to Remo Costa who undertook a comprehensive and high quality restoration which took several years and was carried out by the Italian specialist Storicar from the Bolsano region. The car was reliveried in close to original colours, metallic grey with red roof, and was restored to its former glory.
In addition to its extraordinary shape, with a chrome mouth conveying a sense of power and recessed rear lights, this Vignale coupé displays a level of finishing typical of cars handbuilt by coachbuilders. Inside, the aluminium door handles are exquisite and the oval dashboard accentuates the sportiness of the interior that is finished in red leather. This wonderfully elegant car is eligible for the most important historic automobile events, whether concours d'élégance or competitive events on the road or track. Moreover, it has as its base the Fiat 8V, with the highly original engine producing a raucous growl that stands out from others from this period.
Cars handbuilt by coachbuilders rarely come onto the market. Here is one of the most interesting, which would make a magnificent addition to any collection. The car has a Dutch registration now and is offered with its FIVA identity card, ASI certificate, original Italian Libretto as well as a large file of historic documents, an opportunity such as this is unlikely to come round again soon.
The car on offer was delivered new on 14 August 1953 to Pietro Melchionni, from the town of Alessandria in north Italy. It was presented in metallic beige with red roof. Copies of the Italian PRA from that period show that two years later, on 12 September 1955, the car was sold to a driver from Turin, Alfredo Mascarello, who in turn, sold it at the end of the same year to racing driver Alfredo Pallavadini, who had the car re-liveried in black. The next owner, Giovanni Giovenco, kept the black roof, but chose to paint the car red below the waistline of the body. The car changed hands twice more before becoming the property of a young 26 year old playboy by the name of Enrico Fabbri, who used it for trips to beaches along the Adriatic coast. In 1965, it was sold to Vittorio Steiner and in 1966 to Primo Salvadori. At that time it was metallic grey with black roof. M. Salvadori kept the car for 19 years, until 19 June 1985 when it passed to Margherita Dona. At the start of the 1960s, the original engine, n°000069, had been replaced by one from the second series, n°000149, which had participated in the 1955 Mille Miglia. In 1997, Mme Dona sold this unique car to Remo Costa who undertook a comprehensive and high quality restoration which took several years and was carried out by the Italian specialist Storicar from the Bolsano region. The car was reliveried in close to original colours, metallic grey with red roof, and was restored to its former glory.
In addition to its extraordinary shape, with a chrome mouth conveying a sense of power and recessed rear lights, this Vignale coupé displays a level of finishing typical of cars handbuilt by coachbuilders. Inside, the aluminium door handles are exquisite and the oval dashboard accentuates the sportiness of the interior that is finished in red leather. This wonderfully elegant car is eligible for the most important historic automobile events, whether concours d'élégance or competitive events on the road or track. Moreover, it has as its base the Fiat 8V, with the highly original engine producing a raucous growl that stands out from others from this period.
Cars handbuilt by coachbuilders rarely come onto the market. Here is one of the most interesting, which would make a magnificent addition to any collection. The car has a Dutch registration now and is offered with its FIVA identity card, ASI certificate, original Italian Libretto as well as a large file of historic documents, an opportunity such as this is unlikely to come round again soon.
Contact Veni Vidi Vici Classic Cars for more details
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