THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Production period
- 1954
- 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 Ermini 1380 Coupé is a captivating one-off grand tourer that made its debut at the prestigious Sanremo Elegance Concours, also known as the “Rassegna internazionale della carrozzeria.” Ingeneered by Pasquale Ermini, this bespoke vehicle was equipped with a 1380 cm³ engine, offering a blend of performance and elegance. Its sleek and striking body was designed by the renowned Pietro Frua, showcasing the distinctive styling of the era. The Ermini 1380 Coupé first garnered attention when it was unveiled at the Sanremo concours, instantly capturing the hearts of automotive enthusiasts for its sophisticated design and powerful engine. The car’s elegance was further emphasized when it was later exhibited at the 1954 Turin Motor Show, continuing to receive acclaim for its unique presence among other vehicles of the time. The car’s design exudes classic mid-century Italian automotive flair, with its smooth lines, refined proportions, and attention to detail. The combination of Ermini’s engineering expertise and Frua’s artistic vision resulted in a car that embodied the spirit of the era’s luxury sports cars. According to several sources, the Ermini 1380 Coupé underwent a transformation a few years after its original unveiling, when it was rebodied as a cabriolet. This change allowed the car to be enjoyed in a more open configuration, enhancing the driving experience and adding to its allure as a collectible piece of automotive history. The Ermini 1380 Coupé remains a rare and fascinating example of Italian craftsmanship and design, a true testament to the artistry of its creators and the legacy of post-war automotive elegance. Its history as both a coupé and a later cabriolet only adds to its mystique, making it a cherished piece for those fortunate enough to have witnessed its evolution or experienced its presence firsthand.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production
- 1
- Production type
- One-off
Engine & performance
- Engine configuration
- Inline-4
Design & manufacture
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Frua
- Designer · Documented
- Pietro Frua
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Ermini
06 / EVENTS & AWARDS
Events & awards
Raduno Internazionale della Fuori-Serie – San Remo General · From the historical archive
- Date
- 1954
- Chassis
- General
- Venue
- Villa Ormond · San Remo
36° Salone Internazionale dell'Automobile – Torino General · Source Verified
- Date
- 21 Apr 1954
- Chassis
- General
- Venue
- Torino Esposizioni / Palazzo delle Esposizioni · Torino
07 / THE VEHICLE IN DETAIL
Photo gallery 8 photographs
Show 2 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 |
|---|---|
| Pietro Frua Catalogue raisonné — 1950–1959 www.pietro-frua.de | Specialist designer archive catalogue raisonne |













THE CONVERSATION
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