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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Fiat 500 TA Frua Giannini Elaborata

1958Coachwork by Frua

THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE

Model dossier

Production period
1958
Engine
Inline-2
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 500 TA Frua Giannini Elaborata (1958) was coachbuilt by Frua. Developed during the late 1950s, this model exemplifies the collaboration between Fiat and the coachbuilder Frua, known for its bespoke automotive designs. The coachbuilding process for the Fiat 500 involved careful attention to proportions and stylistic elements, combining functional design with aesthetic appeal. Constructed using traditional methods, the bodywork featured refined lines, contributing to its unique visual identity within the Fiat lineup.

Mechanically, the Fiat 500 TA was equipped with a 2L engine, enabling a compact and efficient powertrain suitable for urban environments. The chassis was designed to provide agility and responsiveness, characteristics valued in postwar automotive design. Production of this model was limited to a single unit, which underscores its rarity and the specialized nature of its construction. Documentation indicates that this model was a product of a specific period when Italian coachbuilding was marked by innovation and personalization.

Exhibitions of the Fiat 500 TA Frua Giannini Elaborata were limited, reflecting its status as a collector’s item. Surviving examples are recorded in private collections and institutional archives, providing reference for researchers of postwar coachbuilding. The Fiat 600 Cabriolet Frua Giannini remains a noteworthy entry in the annals of automotive history, representing the intersection of mass production and bespoke craftsmanship in the mid-20th century.

02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY

Specifications & construction

Production & construction

Production
1
Production type
One-off

Engine & performance

Engine configuration
Inline-2

Design & manufacture

Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
Frua
Manufacturer · Documented
Fiat

Additional features

Recorded features
Elaborata

06 / EVENTS & AWARDS

Events & awards

XI Rassegna Internazionale dell'Automobile – Pincio General · From the historical archive
Date
7 Jun 1958
Chassis
General
Venue
Pincio · Roma

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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