THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Production period
- 1952
- Body style
- Coupé
- Engine
- Inline-4
- Type
- Limited
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAR
Coachbuilding, design & conversions
PRICE & SALES RECORD
Vehicle value
- Original price
- Not documented
- Latest recorded sale
- Not documented
01 / THE STORY
History & context
The Fiat 1400 Balbo, a renowned car, was long believed to be the brainchild of Giovanni Michelotti. However, a fascinating revelation emerged during the research conducted for the restoration process. A design sketch bearing the signature “FraSca” came to light, leading to the disclosure of the true authorship of the drawing: Franco Scaglione. The distinct features of the Fiat 1400 Vittoria, crafted by Carrozzeria Balbo, include a pointed muzzle and rear fins, which foreshadowed design elements later employed in the iconic Bertone BAT concept cars. Notably, the pavilion with its remarkably thin uprights showcased an avant-garde solution, displaying a level of modernity uncommon for its time. Examining the Fiat 1400 Vittoria Balbo reveals a visionary design that anticipated trends in automotive aesthetics. The pointed front and the sleek rear fins, echoing the later Bertone BAT concept cars, underscore the car’s role as a harbinger of future design directions. The pavilion, featuring thin uprights, stands out as an innovative and forward-thinking solution, challenging the conventional design norms prevalent during its era. Delving into the car’s interiors, the two-tone fabric mirroring the exterior reflects a meticulous approach to design. These original interiors, preserved with care by the Lopresto Collection, offer a glimpse into the past, showcasing the thoughtfulness invested in both the exterior and interior elements of the Fiat 1400 Balbo.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production type
- Limited
Engine & performance
- Engine configuration
- Inline-4
Design & manufacture
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Balbo
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Fiat
- Designer · Candidate
- Franco Scaglione
04 / INDIVIDUAL HISTORY
Chassis & provenance
Ownership & provenance
- Ownership & history · Legacy attribution
- Car Collection
Chassis 51625
- Chassis number
- 51625
- Year
- 1952
06 / EVENTS & AWARDS
Events & awards
35° Salone Internazionale dell'Automobile – Torino General · legacy_preserved
- Date
- 1953
- Chassis
- General
Preserved CI 1.0 relation. Evidence field: _yoast_wpseo_primary_events. No award inferred.
07 / THE VEHICLE IN DETAIL
Photo gallery 17 photographs
Show 11 more photographs Show fewer photographs
08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE
Archive
No publishable archival references are currently catalogued for this vehicle.












THE CONVERSATION
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