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The Story Behind4 July 2024 by Andreas 1614 Viewed

The Fiat 600 Elaborate

The Fiat 600 was undoubtedly the car that accompanied Italy through its economic boom. Upon its debut in 1955, it became extremely popular due to its modern design, powerful engine, and a spacious interior that could accommodate an entire family. The demand for the 600 was so high that Fiat struggled to meet the waiting times, prompting many to turn to coachbuilders to get their small family car sooner, even at a higher cost. The Fiat 600 models sold by Italian coachbuilders, known as “elaborate,” featured enhanced versions with minor body modifications, chrome elements, custom grilles, more luxurious interiors, and in some cases, tuned engines, often with Abarth kits. Despite the higher cost of these elaborate 600s, their immediate availability and premium features made them very popular. Many coachbuilders ventured into this stylish business model, catering to the high demand.

How Much Did a Fiat 600 Elaborata Cost Compared to a Standard Model?

Here is a breakdown to understand the true cost of the Fiat 600 Elaborata. We have referenced the average Italian salary from 1955 and 2024. To account for inflation, we have also calculated the purchasing power by determining how many months’ salaries would be needed to buy the car.

As you can see, the priciest models are the De Luxe Ghia, the Vignale Bijou, and the Seicentouring, excluding the Multipla by Canta, which would cost around 30,000 euros in today’s terms.

Some 600 Elaborate

Allemano

Allemano

The Fiat 600 Allemano was a stylish and elegant variation of the popular Fiat 600, offered in three distinct versions by Carrozzeria Allemano: Model A, Model B, and Model C. Each model boasted unique features and enhancements, catering to different tastes and preferences.

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Bertone

Bertone

Bertone used the term "Smart" for its elaborata versions, not just for the Fiat 600. Three versions were available. The top trim featured small rear fins with winged tail lights and a two-tone paint job, including the roof. Unlike others, Bertone avoided a fake grille, opting instead for chrome decorations and a center fog light.

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Boano

Boano

The Fiat 600 Boano "Elegance" was a premium variant priced at 775,000 Lire (around 29,000 Euros). This exclusive version featured sophisticated modifications, including a stunning two-tone paint job, smoothed body panels, and a decorative grille with chrome accents. Enhanced lighting and elegant trim added to its refined appearance, while the interior boasted a two-tone dashboard with chrome details and gabardine upholstery.

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Canta

Canta

The Fiat 600 Canta was a specially customized version of the Fiat 600, offered by the coachbuilder Canta in three distinct versions: Economica, Standard, and Lusso. Each version featured unique upgrades and enhancements, catering to different levels of luxury and style.

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Francis Lombardi

Francis Lombardi

Francis Lombardi was perhaps the coachbuilder who most extensively offered customized versions of the Fiat 600. In addition to flagship models like the Spring, Lucciola, and Maggiolina, Francis Lombardi also provided two “standard” versions of his accessorized Fiat 600, the "E" and the "V".

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Ghia

Ghia

The Ghia-modified Fiat 600 was offered in three distinct trim levels: the base model “DE LUXE,” the mid-tier “DE LUXE MONVISO” (named after the Monviso coachbuilder absorbed by Ghia), and the top-tier “DE LUXE GHIA.” Despite their higher-than-average prices, these versions highlighted Ghia’s reputation as a high-end coachbuilder, even for the Fiat 600.

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Moretti

Moretti

The Fiat 600 Moretti Special was offered in three versions by the renowned coachbuilder and manufacturer based on Via Monginevro in Turin. Moretti provided customers with an enriched version of the Fiat 600, available without waiting times but at a premium price. TIPO D ,TIPO E and GRAN LUSSO.

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Monterosa

Monterosa

The Fiat 600 Monterosa, customized by a Turin coachbuilder, was priced at 705,000 Lire (approx. 26,500 Euros). It featured two-tone paint with a chrome strip, chrome rain gutters, front grille, side moldings, and window trims. Enhancements included headlight visors, new side turn signals, a rear hood support rod, and a lockable rear hood handle, giving the Monterosa a refined and stylish appearance.

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Pininfarina

Pininfarina

Just under 100 specimens were set up. The 600 Pinin Farina features a two-tone paint finish with a metallic Lunalcrom roof, a fake radiator with central headlight, special bumpers, round turn signals, chrome window frames and hood hinges, whitewall tires with special wheel cups. The interor features a dashboard with Resinflex gasket and chromed profile with the “Pinin Farina” logo. With the version developed by Pinin Farina, the same coachbuilder introduced an innovation that was later taken up by Fiat with the second 600 series: It moved the position lights from the mudguards to under the headlights.

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Vignale

Vignale

The Bijou, Carrozzeria Vignale’s luxurious take on the Fiat 600, debuted at the 1955 Turin Auto Salon, priced at 800,000 Lire (about 30,000 Euros today). Among the priciest models, it featured a two-tone paint job, unique rear fenders, bumper guards, a fake front grille, and added side indicators. The interior included two-tone faux leather, a leather-covered dashboard, and plush daino carpets. The Bijou showcased 1950s automotive luxury with its distinctive design and high-end materials, making it highly desirable for enthusiasts.

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Zagato

Zagato

The Fiat 600 Zagato was the elaborated version offered by the renowned Milanese coachbuilder. This exclusive model was sold directly by Zagato and came in two distinct versions: the “E” and the “L.” In addition, Zagato occasionally produced true one-offs, such as a unique 600 D with an engine modified by Stanguellini.

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Click here for more Fiat 600 Elaborate

the author

Andreas

Italian classic car enthusiast with German roots. Renowned as a respected figure in the classic car community, he serves as a jury member at various international concours d'elegance, including the Classic Gala Schwetzingen and Mantova. As a content creator, Andreas passionately shares his profound knowledge and appreciation for vintage automobiles. His heart beats for cars designed by Giovanni Michelotti, showcasing his discerning taste and dedication to preserving the timeless elegance of automotive history.

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Prince Skyline Sport Allemano

The end of World War II left Japan in a difficult position, having to transition its industries from military production to civilian use. This challenge was particularly tough since Japan, like Germany and Italy, was a defeated nation. However, Japan’s ability to adapt would set the stage for one of the most exciting collaborations in automotive history.

Among the companies responsible for this transformation were Tachikawa and Nakajima, two of Japan’s leading aviation companies. Tasked with shifting to civilian production, Tachikawa (later known as Tokyo Electric Cars) began building electric cars in 1947. Their first model, the Tama, was followed by a slightly larger Junior, and eventually, the Senior.

In the early 1950s, Japan’s evolving automotive landscape saw a shift from electric-powered cars to gasoline engines. By the end of 1951, the Tama Senior was fitted with a 1.5-liter petrol engine, a shift that led to the creation of the Prince Sedan in 1952. This was the beginning of Prince Motor Company, which was named in honor of the official investiture of Crown Prince Akihito.

In 1954, Fuji Precision Machinery (formerly Nakajima) acquired Prince Motor Company and embarked on producing automobiles under the Prince brand. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in Japan’s automotive history.

The Birth of the Skyline and the Search for European Inspiration

By the late 1950s, Prince Motor Company had gained recognition in Japan for its innovative vehicles, such as the Prince Sedan and the Skyline (introduced in 1957). However, the company sought to take their vehicles to a new level—focusing on luxury, performance, and innovation. To do so, they looked westward, to Europe, for inspiration.

Europe was home to some of the most prestigious automotive brands, and Fuji Precision Machinery executives wanted a vehicle that could rival the best of Europe. This aspiration led them to Italy, where they arranged a pivotal meeting at the Salone dell’Automobile (Turin Motor Show) with Carrozzeria Allemano, a respected coachbuilder with ties to Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti.

The collaboration between Japan and Italy led to the creation of the Prince Skyline Sport, a car that would redefine the trajectory of Japan’s automotive design. This groundbreaking partnership merged Japanese engineering with Italian artistry, setting a new standard for style and innovation. The success of this collaboration inspired other Japanese manufacturers to partner with Italy’s legendary design houses, creating some of the most iconic vehicles of the 1960s.

Mazda, for example, worked with Bertone, enlisting the renowned Giorgetto Giugiaro to design the Familia, a compact car that skillfully blended European elegance with Japanese practicality. In 1963, Daihatsu teamed up with Vignale to produce the Compagno, along with its sporty variants: the Sport Spider and Coupé; which reflected a uniquely Italian flair. The following year, Pininfarina collaborated with Datsun to craft a sleek new look for the Bluebird, a move that helped the car gain global recognition. By 1965, Isuzu joined forces with Ghia to design the Bellett II, a concept car that showcased bold and forward-thinking design elements.

These partnerships went beyond aesthetics; they helped establish a global identity for Japanese automakers. By working with Italy’s most respected design houses, Japanese manufacturers gained fresh perspectives on styling while enhancing their reputation for innovation and quality. These collaborations not only transformed the appearance of Japanese cars but also elevated their appeal to international markets, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

A Handcrafted Masterpiece

Under the direction of Giovanni Michelotti, one of Italy’s most respected automotive designers, the Skyline Sport would be an example of high-end craftsmanship. Initially, the first series of prototypes were built by Carrozzeria Allemano, known for its hand-built bodies. Later, a second series of production would be completed by Carrozzeria Michelotti, adding the final touch to this luxury vehicle.

The Skyline Sport was designed as a two-door coupe with sleek, flowing lines and a sporty yet elegant appearance. Michelotti’s design incorporated canted headlights, angled downward at the inside corners—a feature seen in other high-end vehicles like the Lincoln Continental and Buick during the late 1950s and early 1960s.

At the heart of the Skyline Sport was a 1.9-liter GB-4 engine that generated 94 horsepower, giving it a top speed of 150 km/h. Despite weighing in at 1,350 kg, the car’s handling was remarkably smooth, thanks to a double-wishbone front suspension and a De Dion rear axle, technologies that were innovative for its time.

The Prince Skyline Sport: A Bold Statement

The Skyline Sport debuted at the 1960 Turin Motor Show, where it garnered international attention for its bold design and luxury features. Available in both a coupe and a convertible version, it was a striking example of Italian design combined with Japanese engineering. Its clean lines, striking front grille, and eye-catching details made it a standout at the show.

But its beauty was more than skin deep. The Skyline Sport was a car that delivered in terms of both aesthetics and performance. With its meticulously crafted body, luxurious interior, and advanced suspension, the car offered an exceptional driving experience that rivaled the finest European vehicles of the era.

The Prince Skyline Sport made its official appearance in Japan at the 1962 Tokyo Motor Show, where it was met with great enthusiasm due to its elegant lines and striking design. With its sleek coupe and convertible versions, the car showcased a perfect blend of Italian craftsmanship and Japanese engineering, captivating the crowd with its sophisticated aesthetic. However, the Skyline Sport came with a hefty price tag of 1.85 million yen, more than twice the cost of a standard sedan. This steep price limited its appeal in Japan’s domestic market, making it a rare and exclusive collector’s item. Despite its high price, the car gained significant exposure through its prominent feature in Toho films, strategically marketed to heighten its status as a luxury icon.

A Historic Collaboration and Legacy

The Prince Skyline Sport is historically significant as the first collaboration between an Italian designer and a Japanese automaker, setting a precedent for future cross-cultural partnerships in the automotive world. It was a testament to the universal appeal of Italian design and the skill of Michelotti and Carrozzeria Allemano. The Skyline Sport bridged cultural and geographical boundaries, bringing together the best of both worlds to create a truly exceptional car.

Though the Skyline Sport never achieved high sales numbers, with only 60 to 200 units produced, its impact on the automotive industry cannot be overstated. It paved the way for later models like the Skyline GT-R and helped establish the Prince Laurel, another model that would become iconic in Japan.

The Skyline Sport also marked the beginning of Prince Motor Company’s shift toward luxury vehicles. This emphasis on quality and refinement would continue after Nissan’s acquisition of Prince Motors in 1966, with the Skyline Sport serving as a precursor to future generations of luxury cars from Japan.

The Prince Skyline Sport was more than just a car—it was a statement of innovation, craftsmanship, and the power of international collaboration. The partnership between Giovanni Michelotti, Carrozzeria Allemano, and Prince Motor Company created a vehicle that showcased the best of both Italian design and Japanese engineering.

Though limited in production and availability, the Skyline Sport remains an important part of automotive history. It stands as a symbol of the potential for global partnerships to create groundbreaking designs, and its legacy continues to inspire the automotive world today.

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