Zanussi 1100 Sport

The Zanussi 1100 Sport, showcased at the Museo Nicolis, features a body crafted by the small coachbuilder Vendrame. This unique vehicle highlights the ingenuity and passion of Fioravante Zanussi, who hailed from Pordenone and began tuning cars for himself and select customers in the early 1930s. His expertise was demonstrated in 1939 when driver Alberto Comirato of Treviso won the Italian Championship racing a Fiat 508 tuned by Zanussi. The car displayed at the Museo Nicolis is believed to be a one-off model built in the late 1940s on a Fiat 508 C chassis. Although its complete history remains somewhat enigmatic, the vehicle’s restoration has recently been completed, showcasing its enduring charm and historical significance. Initially, it was thought that the car might have been equipped with an Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 engine, modified by removing the supercharger and reducing the engine to four cylinders by eliminating the two central ones. Subsequently, it was fitted with a 6-cylinder 2-liter BMW 319 engine. By the mid-1950s, it received its current Fiat 1100 S-derived engine, along with a modified and updated body. Fioravante Zanussi himself drove this car in various hill climb races until the mid-1950s, underscoring its competitive nature and Zanussi’s dedication to motorsport. The car’s journey through multiple engine configurations and its ultimate adaptation to the Fiat 1100 S engine reflect the resourcefulness and adaptability of its creator. Despite its varied history and the uncertainties surrounding its origins, the Zanussi 1100 Sport stands as a testament to the innovative spirit of post-war Italian automotive design and craftsmanship. Today, the Zanussi 1100 Sport captivates visitors at the Museo Nicolis, where it represents not only a piece of automotive history but also the legacy of a passionate engineer and racer. Its unique story and distinctive design continue to fascinate car enthusiasts and historians alike, preserving the memory of Fioravante Zanussi’s contributions to the world of motorsport.