Ermini 1100 Barchetta Ala d’Oro

The Ermini 1100 Barchetta Ala d’Oro was a limited-production sports racing car constructed in 1948 by Officine Ermini of Florence. It was bodied by Carrozzeria Ala d’Oro, a short-lived postwar atelier founded by Franco Bertani, noted for integrating aerodynamic concepts influenced by aviation into early competition vehicles. The car was developed for participation in the under-1100 cc sports class, with emphasis on weight reduction, streamlined bodywork, and tuned mechanicals derived from Fiat components. The mechanical basis of the Ala d’Oro Barchetta was the Fiat 1100 platform, heavily modified by Ermini. The engine was a 1,089 cc inline-four OHV unit, retaining the Fiat block but extensively reworked with high-compression pistons, revised camshaft profiles, dual ignition, and improved carburetion. Depending on the state of tune, output ranged from 55 to 65 horsepower. The engine was paired with a close-ratio four-speed manual transmission. Suspension utilized independent front elements and a live rear axle with leaf springs. Braking was via hydraulic drums on all four wheels. Coachwork was executed entirely in aluminium, formed over a tubular frame. The body was conceived as a barchetta—an open two-seater with minimal weather protection. Design elements included recessed headlamps, a central oval grille, low-cut sides, and a tapered rear tail. The cockpit featured only essential instrumentation, a fixed windscreen, and lightweight seating, reflecting the vehicle’s intended use in competitive endurance events such as the Mille Miglia. Exact production numbers remain uncertain, though period sources and existing documentation suggest between two and five examples were constructed in this configuration. One known chassis, no. 214184, competed in the 1948 Mille Miglia under the entry of Pasquale Ermini. It was later involved in an accident and subsequently rebodied by Carrozzeria Mariani. The car continued to race under private ownership in regional events including the Coppa della Toscana.