THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Production period
- 1950
- Body style
- Berlinetta
- Engine
- Inline-4
- Type
- Limited
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, a masterpiece of automotive elegance born from the creative genius of Giovanni Michelotti, represents a harmonious fusion of style and engineering. Crafted by the skilled artisans at Vignale and based on the esteemed Fiat 1400 platform, the Orchidea epitomizes the pinnacle of Italian automotive design. Michelotti’s design vision breathed new life into the Fiat 1400, transforming it into a work of art that exuded sophistication and refinement. Every line and curve of the Orchidea’s exterior spoke to Michelotti’s mastery, capturing the essence of timeless beauty and understated luxury. From its gracefully flowing contours to its distinctive grille, the Orchidea commanded attention with its effortless charm. Available in both sedan and cabriolet versions, the Orchidea catered to discerning buyers seeking a blend of style and performance. Whether cruising along scenic coastlines with the top down or navigating bustling city streets, the Orchidea delivered a driving experience that was as exhilarating as it was elegant. The accolades bestowed upon the Fiat 1400 Orchidea underscored Vignale’s reputation for excellence in automotive craftsmanship. Its triumph at the Venice concours d’elegance category prize served as a testament to the car’s enduring appeal and timeless design. Despite the passage of time, the exact number of Fiat 1400 Orchideas that still grace the roads today remains a mystery. However, their scarcity only adds to their allure, elevating them to the status of coveted collector’s items for automotive enthusiasts around the world. In a world where automotive design is constantly evolving, the Fiat 1400 Orchidea stands as a timeless reminder of an era defined by elegance and innovation. Its legacy lives on, immortalized in the hearts and minds of enthusiasts who continue to cherish its beauty and craftsmanship for generations to come. Also a Cabriolet one-off and a sedan with the same style were made by Vignale.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production type
- Limited
Engine & performance
- Engine configuration
- Inline-4
Design & manufacture
- Designer · Documented
- Giovanni Michelotti
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Fiat
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Vignale
04 / INDIVIDUAL HISTORY
Chassis & provenance
Chassis 007312
- Chassis number
- 007312
- Year
- 1950
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.
2° Concorso Internazionale di Eleganza per Autovetture – Lido di Venezia General · legacy_preserved
- Date
- 1950
- Chassis
- General
Preserved CI 1.0 relation. Evidence field: list_of_awards_0_events. No award inferred.
07 / THE VEHICLE IN DETAIL
Photo gallery 10 photographs
Show 4 more photographs Show fewer photographs
08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE
Archive
No publishable archival references are currently catalogued for this vehicle.












THE CONVERSATION
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