THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Production period
- 1953
- Body style
- Coupé
- Engine
- Inline-4
- Type
- One-off
- Production
- 1
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 1100 Sport, crafted by Carrozzeria Savio and unveiled at the prestigious Turin Motor Show in 1953, epitomizes the fusion of engineering excellence and artistic flair that defined Italian automotive design of the era. This particular specimen, acquired for a sum of 1,900,000 lire by architect Renato Benassi, then serving as the Councilor for Cultural Heritage of the Municipality of Rome, stands as a testament to both its creator’s vision and the discerning taste of its owner. Designed by the acclaimed Franco Scaglione, renowned for his work at Carrozzeria Bertone, the Fiat 1100 Sport Savio bears the hallmarks of Scaglione’s distinctive style. Crafted entirely by hand, the car features an aluminum engine hood and trunk, meticulously crafted to reduce weight and enhance performance. Underneath the sleek exterior lies a meticulously reworked mechanical heart, courtesy of Autocarrozzeria Savio, aimed at elevating the car’s capabilities to new heights. Through a series of enhancements, the Fiat 1100 Sport Savio underwent a remarkable transformation. The compression ratio of the standard 1100/103 engine was increased from 6.7:1 to 7:1, resulting in a power boost from 36 to 54 horsepower at 5,100 rpm. Additionally, modifications such as the adoption of copper lead rod bearings, a polished marine-type intake manifold, special valve springs, and a segmented transmission shaft contributed to improved performance and efficiency. Suspension upgrades further enhanced the car’s handling and agility, underscoring its sporting pedigree. Despite its remarkable achievements, the Fiat 1100 Sport Savio remained a singular creation, its bespoke nature rendering it a cherished rarity among automotive enthusiasts. The combination of its exquisite craftsmanship, visionary design, and enhanced performance elevates it to the realm of automotive artistry, embodying the spirit of innovation and passion that defines Italian motoring heritage.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production
- 1
- Production type
- One-off
Engine & performance
- Engine configuration
- Inline-4
Design & manufacture
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Fiat
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Savio
- Designer · Candidate
- Franco Scaglione
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 7 photographs
Show 1 more photographs Show fewer 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 |
|---|---|
| Auto Italia September 2014 — Carrozzeria Savio porschecarshistory.com | Specialist automotive magazine feature / historical coachbuilder article |












THE CONVERSATION
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