THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Production period
- 1950
- Body style
- Cabriolet
- 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 1400 Orchidea Cabriolet, a collaborative masterpiece by designer Giovanni Michelotti and coachbuilder Alfredo Vignale, debuted at the prestigious Geneva Motor Show in 1950. This unique cabriolet version of the Fiat Orchidea Coupé immediately captivated audiences with its exquisite design and meticulous craftsmanship. Giovanni Michelotti’s visionary design philosophy, paired with Vignale’s expert craftsmanship, resulted in a stunning automobile that exuded elegance from every angle. The Orchidea Cabriolet boasted graceful lines and refined proportions, showcasing the pinnacle of Italian automotive design. Beyond its debut in Geneva, this exceptional vehicle graced the stages of the Turin Auto Salon and the Concorso d’Eleganza di Roma in 1950, receiving admiration and acclaim at each event. Alongside the cabriolet variant, Carrozzeria Vignale also presented the previously mentioned coupé and a 4-door sedan, all based on the Fiat 1400 chassis. The Orchidea Cabriolet continues to capture the imagination of enthusiasts and collectors with its timeless design and historical significance. Its rarity, beauty, and legacy serve as a testament to the rich heritage of Italian automotive coachbuilding craftsmanship and Michelotti’s design excellence. Today, the Fiat 1400 Orchidea Cabriolet remains a cherished symbol of classic Italian automotive artistry, revered for its, rarity, timeless elegance and enduring appeal.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production
- 1
- Production type
- One-off
Engine & performance
- Engine configuration
- Inline-4
Design & manufacture
- Designer · Documented
- Giovanni Michelotti
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Fiat
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Vignale
06 / EVENTS & AWARDS
Events & awards
Geneva General · legacy_preserved
- Date
- 1950
- Chassis
- General
Preserved CI 1.0 relation. Evidence field: _yoast_wpseo_primary_events. No award inferred.
07 / THE VEHICLE IN DETAIL
Photo gallery 4 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 |
|---|---|
| Carrozzieri-Italiani — Fiat 1400 Orchidea by Vignale www.carrozzieri-italiani.com | Historical editorial |












THE CONVERSATION
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