When Fiat introduced its first new post-war model in 1950, there was no hint of sportiness. The 1400 saloon was stodgy in every way, but it was an important car for Fiat as it was the company’s first model to feature monocoque construction, and as the 1400 was cheap to build it meant that it was also cheap to buy.
As the 1950s progressed, Fiat decided to move away from being known as a maker only of rather dull family transport. The brand’s reputation was boosted by a multitude of Abarth-tuned Fiats notching up racing wins across Europe. So when Fiat introduced its next new model, the ‘type 103’ 1100 of 1953, it intended to create a sportier image for itself.
Fiat had introduced an 1100 in 1937, but the Nuova 1100 that came in 1953 was an altogether different proposition. It was modern, light, and fun to drive, carrying nothing over from its predecessor aside from the basic engine, which was completely overhauled. Just like the 1400, the 1100 featured monocoque construction, and with 36bhp on tap, this compact four-door saloon was capable of a sprightly 72mph. Just six months after the Fiat 1100 had been unwrapped at the 1953 Geneva Salon, an 1100 TV (Turismo Veloce) edition made its debut at the Paris Salon.
Fiat then, decided it was time to introduce a stylish, spirited spider that would not only capture the hearts of European enthusiasts but also make a splash across the Atlantic. At the 1955 Geneva Auto Salon, Fiat unveiled 1100 TV Trasformabile – a charming, compact roadster that drew inspiration from American sports cars while maintaining a distinctly Italian soul. Known as the “Italian Corvette,” this two-seater was the brainchild of Fabio Luigi Rapi and Fiat’s Special Bodyworks Division, and it remains a beloved classic for its quirky elegance and timeless appeal.
Design and Development
The Fiat 1100 TV Trasformabile, made its debut in 1955 as Fiat’s first true spider. Compact, stylish, and undeniably charming, it was a car that aimed to capture the spirit of the American sports car while staying firmly rooted in European sensibility.
Developed by Fiat’s Special Bodyworks Division under the guidance of Fabio Luigi Rapi, the Trasformabile wasn’t just a car – it was an experience. Rapi, who had previously worked with Isotta Fraschini and Zagato, where he designed the Isotta Fraschini Monterosa, had just overseen the creation of the stylish 8V coupé at Fiat. As head of the Carrozzerie Speciali division, he sought to create a lightweight, agile, and sporty spider on the proven underpinnings of the Nuova 1100.
Styling Features and Innovations
Rapi’s vision was influenced by American design trends of the era, blending playful and daring lines with elegant details. The Trasformabile’s iconic panoramic windshield, bumper elements used as decorative highlights, and streamlined rear fins reflected this approach. Inside, the car featured contrasting colors, smooth surfaces, and large, round dials, while the wooden steering wheel with deep-dished chrome spokes gave it a sporty yet sophisticated feel. One of the most striking early design features was the floating indicator lights mounted on slender stems above the front fenders. However, these unique blinkers were later revised due to their fragility.
Photo courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
Performance and Engineering: Beneath the hood, the Trasformabile was powered by a 1089 cc inline-four engine, delivering 53 horsepower and a top speed of 145 km/h (90 mph). While it wasn’t built to dominate the racetrack, it handled with finesse, thanks to its independent front suspension and relatively low weight. The result was a balanced and agile driving experience, making it appealing to private drivers looking for a sporty yet manageable car.
Motorsport Heritage
The Trasformabile’s motorsport credentials were modest but respectable. It participated in the 1956 Mille Miglia and the 1957 Targa Florio, gaining a place among the cars eligible for classic events today. Though it didn’t boast a formidable racing history, it still holds a special place in automotive lore for its spirited performance and striking design.
Evolutions and Successors: Fiat didn’t stop evolving the model. In 1957, the car received a more powerful 1.2-liter engine, and by 1959, the range included the 1200 with 58 horsepower and the sportier 1500 S, featuring an Osca-built engine that delivered a peppy 80 horsepower. Over time, the Trasformabile evolved into the more refined 1200 Cabriolet, and later, the iconic 124 Spider took its place as Fiat’s signature roadster.
Custom Coachbuilt Versions
As was customary with many Italian cars of the era, the 1100 TV chassis was also supplied to various Italian coachbuilders who crafted their own unique “fuoriserie” versions, each with its own distinct personality.
Carrozzeria Canta approached the 1100 TV with a more classic and refined styling, emphasizing elegance over sportiness.
Carrozzeria Frua presented a more flamboyant design, including a two-tone paint scheme and an elaborate front end, showcasing a more artistic take on the sporty chassis.
Carrozzeria Monviso produced what is perhaps the most famous version, the Fiat 1100 TV Stella Filante. Debuting dramatically at the 1954 Turin Auto Show, this one-off creation, designed by Giovanni Michelotti, featured a futuristic design and a groundbreaking removable Plexiglas roof – a stark departure from the conventional metal tops of the time.
The Pininfarina 1100 TV Spider version was a one-off, open-top variant of their Fiat 1100 TV Coupé, crafted as prototype. While featuring a convertible body, the styling remained the same as the small series production version, maintaining the elegant lines and sporty character of the original 1100 TV.
Carrozzeria Allemano crafted the most elegant and streamlined version, also designed by Michelotti. The Spider Allemano featured clean lines, graceful curves, and a distinctive rear, showcasing a dynamic yet sophisticated aesthetic. This body style, although in smaller scale, was so admired that it was also used on the more prestigious Maserati A6 chassis.
Ghia, ever the bold stylist, took inspiration from the American Space Era, incorporating headlights into the front grille, employing a two-tone paint scheme, and adding large rear fins, making it one of the most striking and modern interpretations.
Legacy
By the time production concluded in 1966, Fiat had built around 43,000 examples. The 1100 TV Trasformabile remains celebrated as a stylish, accessible classic, embodying the spirit of post-war optimism and European ingenuity.
