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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Fiat 1400 Vittoria

1952Coachwork by Balbo

THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE

Model dossier

Production period
1952
Body style
Coupé
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 Balbo, a renowned car, was long believed to be the brainchild of Giovanni Michelotti. However, a fascinating revelation emerged during the research conducted for the restoration process. A design sketch bearing the signature “FraSca” came to light, leading to the disclosure of the true authorship of the drawing: Franco Scaglione. The distinct features of the Fiat 1400 Vittoria, crafted by Carrozzeria Balbo, include a pointed muzzle and rear fins, which foreshadowed design elements later employed in the iconic Bertone BAT concept cars. Notably, the pavilion with its remarkably thin uprights showcased an avant-garde solution, displaying a level of modernity uncommon for its time. Examining the Fiat 1400 Vittoria Balbo reveals a visionary design that anticipated trends in automotive aesthetics. The pointed front and the sleek rear fins, echoing the later Bertone BAT concept cars, underscore the car’s role as a harbinger of future design directions. The pavilion, featuring thin uprights, stands out as an innovative and forward-thinking solution, challenging the conventional design norms prevalent during its era. Delving into the car’s interiors, the two-tone fabric mirroring the exterior reflects a meticulous approach to design. These original interiors, preserved with care by the Lopresto Collection, offer a glimpse into the past, showcasing the thoughtfulness invested in both the exterior and interior elements of the Fiat 1400 Balbo.

02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY

Specifications & construction

Production & construction

Production type
Limited

Engine & performance

Engine configuration
Inline-4

Design & manufacture

Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
Balbo
Manufacturer · Documented
Fiat
Designer · Candidate
Franco Scaglione

04 / INDIVIDUAL HISTORY

Chassis & provenance

Ownership & provenance

Ownership & history · Legacy attribution
Car Collection
Chassis 51625
Chassis number
51625
Year
1952

06 / EVENTS & AWARDS

Events & awards

35° Salone Internazionale dell'Automobile – Torino General · legacy_preserved
Date
1953
Chassis
General

Preserved CI 1.0 relation. Evidence field: _yoast_wpseo_primary_events. No award inferred.

08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE

Archive

No publishable archival references are currently catalogued for this vehicle.

10 / CONNECTED HISTORY

Timeline

Chronological history1 dated records

THE CONVERSATION

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