THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Production period
- 1951
- Body style
- Coupé
- Engine
- Inline-4
- Type
- Limited
- Displacement
- 1,395 cc
- Power
- 45 CV
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 Canta, a creation of the visionary Giovanni Michelotti, emerged as a pinnacle of automotive design during its heyday. Produced by Carrozzeria Canta, this fuoriserie (custom-bodied) masterpiece made its grand debut at renowned events like the Turin and Paris Auto Salons. However, it was the 1951 Concorso d’Eleganza Pincio in Rome where it truly shone, clinching the prestigious category prize and affirming its status as an icon of elegance and style. Characterized by its relatively large Berlinetta body, the Fiat 1400 Canta boasted classic Italian lines that exuded timeless sophistication. The car’s proportions were carefully crafted to embody grace and power, reflecting Michelotti’s keen eye for harmonious design. Its commanding presence on the road was matched only by its luxurious interior, offering occupants a blend of comfort and refinement unparalleled in its time. One of the distinguishing features of the Fiat 1400 Canta was its availability in a two-tone paint job, adding an extra layer of customization and personalization for discerning customers. This attention to detail further emphasized Carrozzeria Canta’s commitment to craftsmanship and luxury. As the flagship model of Carrozzeria Canta, the 1400 represented the pinnacle of the company’s achievements in automotive design and engineering. It served as a testament to their dedication to excellence and innovation, setting a new standard for luxury automobiles of the era. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the 1400 Canta also showcased impressive performance capabilities, thanks to its advanced engineering and powerful engine options. This combination of style and substance made it a sought-after choice among elite clientele who demanded nothing but the best in automotive luxury. While the Fiat 1400 Canta may have been a rare sight on the roads due to its limited production numbers, its impact on automotive history and culture cannot be overstated. It remains a symbol of the golden age of Italian automotive design, revered by enthusiasts and collectors alike for its beauty, craftsmanship, and timeless appeal. In the annals of automotive history, the Fiat 1400 Canta stands as a shining example of the artistry and ingenuity of Giovanni Michelotti and Carrozzeria Canta.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production type
- Limited
Engine & performance
- Engine configuration
- Inline-4
- Displacement
- 1,395 cc
- Power (CV)
- 45 CV
- Engine speed
- 4,400 rpm
- Transmission
- Manual 4-speed
- Drive
- Rear-wheel drive
- Specification notes
- Source-backed donor/model-level baseline for Fiat 1400 first series (1950–1953): Inline-4, 1395 cc, approx. 45 CV at 4400 rpm, 4-speed manual, rear-wheel drive. Coachbuilt-body dimensions, weight and maximum speed are intentionally not inherited.
Design & manufacture
- Designer · Documented
- Giovanni Michelotti
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Canta
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Fiat
06 / EVENTS & AWARDS
Events & awards
33° Salone Internazionale dell'Automobile – Torino General · legacy_preserved
- Date
- 1951
- Chassis
- General
Preserved CI 1.0 relation. Evidence field: _yoast_wpseo_primary_events. No award inferred.
V Concorso Internazionale della Carrozzeria – Pincio General · From the historical archive
- Date
- 26 May 1951
- Chassis
- General
- Venue
- Pincio · Roma
07 / THE VEHICLE IN DETAIL
Photo gallery 3 photographs
08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE
Archive
References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.
| Reference | Source type |
|---|---|
| Fiat 1400 — period manufacturer brochure (1950) autocatalogarchive.com | Period manufacturer brochure |













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