Tuesday, September 2, 2014

1954 Fiat 1100 TV Stanguellini Bertone Berlinetta

Designed by the legendary Franco Scaglione at Bertone. This striking car was intended to be part of a small run of coachbuilt cars using high performance Stanguellini powerplants based on high-performance Fiat 1100 TV (Turismo Veloce) running gear. Stanguellini modified the 1100 Berlinetta engine internals, brakes and gearset. With a Weber carburettor, special intake manifold and high-compression cylinder head nearly 70 bhp was possible. 4-Speed Column-Shifted manual transmission. Independent front suspension with rear live axle and strut dampened semi-elliptical leaf springs. 4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes.

At Bertone, Franco Scaglione was producing some of the most daring designs including the Berlinetta Aerodinamica Tecnicas (B.A.T.) series on the Alfa Romeo 1900 platform. In many ways the Scaglione 1100 Berlinetta was a production version of these designs and it incorporated some of their specific traits. A split rear window, sleek fastback profile, fully integrated grill with headlights and fins on the rear fenders were all signature cues from this series.

The interior is superbly detailed, from the beautifully textured instrument panel to the magnificently wrought metal door hardware and rich tan leather accents. The attention to detail and craftsmanship are evident throughout. The sill plates are beautiful and elegant, and the sun visors are the delicate type made of shaded glass that is typical of the 1950s. The upholstery and leather are excellent throughout, as are the switches and instruments. The rear hatch is side-hinged and features a neatly integrated parcel shelf. Only four cars were produced. (fantasyjunction.com & supercars.net)































































































(Photos from supercars.net, bonhams.com, hemmings.com,
wonderful-cars-2011.blogspot.ca, fantasyjunction.com & mycarquest.com)