Fiat 132 Flares

The Fiat 132 Flares was a unique prototype based on the Fiat 132 sedan, conceptualized by renowned designer Giovanni Michelotti. This 2+2 coupé was first unveiled at the 1971 Turin Motor Show and then displayed at the 1972 Geneva Motor Show, where subtle changes were made, particularly in the design of the taillights. The rear lights were modified to be flush with the bodywork, which enhanced its sleek aesthetic. The Flares represented a distinctly ’70s design, crafted on the Fiat 132 chassis and powered by a 1800 cc engine that produced 105 horsepower. Despite sharing the same wheelbase as the original sedan, the Flares featured wider wheels, giving it a more substantial stance. This wider appearance complemented its streamlined shape, balancing elegance with a sense of grounded stability. Modifications went beyond mere aesthetics; the suspension travel was adjusted, and the fuel tank was upgraded to a larger capacity, repositioned above the rear axle to enhance safety. The rear overhang was also shortened, which required relocating the spare tire and resulted in a slightly reduced trunk space. To address this, the rear seats could fold down, creating an additional loading platform. A unique element of the Flares was its wrap-around taillights, which extended to the sides of the body, along with large side signal indicators. The design also featured a “sawn-off” rear deck, a style detail reminiscent of the earlier Fiat 128 Pulsar prototype. Although the Flares shared certain visual cues with the Pulsar, such as the compact rear design and the 2+2 seating, it lacked the all-round protective buffer found on its predecessor. Primarily, the Flares was developed as an experimental vehicle for exploring aerodynamic efficiency and testing new safety solutions. Like the Pulsar, the Flares was not destined for mass production but served as a platform for Fiat to innovate in the fields of safety and design. With its blend of functional safety features, distinctive ’70s styling, and aerodynamic exploration, the Fiat 132 Flares stands out as a notable piece in the history of automotive design experimentation.