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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Fiat 1400 Canta

1951Coachwork by Canta

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

08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE

Archive

References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.

ReferenceSource type
Fiat 1400 — period manufacturer brochure (1950) autocatalogarchive.com Period manufacturer brochure

10 / CONNECTED HISTORY

Timeline

Chronological history2 dated records

THE CONVERSATION

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