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Fiat 850 Vignale: guida completa

Fiat 850 Vignale

Nel 1964, Fiat lancia la Fiat 850, e come da tradizione, diversi carrozzieri italiani presentano le loro versioni Fuori serie basate sul telaio della 850 fornito dalla stessa Fiat. Al Salone di Torino dello stesso anno, tra i vari carrozzieri spicca la rinomata Carrozzeria Vignale, che propone tre modelli: una berlina a due porte, un coupé 2+2 posti e una graziosa spider. Queste vetture, eredi dei modelli su base Fiat 600, ereditano anche il soprannome “Vignalina”. I tre modelli furono disegnati da Virgino Vairo, con bozzetti realizzati da Alfredo Zannellato, basati su disegni di Giovanni Michelotti, designer di fiducia di Alfredo Vignale per molti anni.

In 1964, Fiat introduced the Fiat 850, and as per tradition, various Italian coachbuilders presented their custom versions based on the 850 chassis supplied by Fiat itself. At the Turin Motor Show that same year, among the various coachbuilders, the renowned Carrozzeria Vignale stood out with three proposals: a two-door sedan, a 2+2 coupé, and a charming spider. These models were the successors to the Fiat 600-based designs and inherited the nickname “Vignalina.” The three models were designed by Virgino Vairo, with sketches executed by Alfredo Zannellato, based on drawings by Giovanni Michelotti, who had been Alfredo Vignale‘s trusted designer for many years.

Al Salone di Torino, le Vignaline ottennero un grande successo, che portò alla loro produzione dal 1964 al 1969, articolata in quattro serie con diversi allestimenti. Complessivamente furono realizzati 4.000 esemplari della Berlina a due porte, 5.000 del Coupé 2+2 e solo 1.000 della Spider, per un totale di circa 10.000 unità prodotte in cinque anni. Sempre al Salone di Torino del 1964, Giannini presentò una versione potenziata con cilindrata aumentata a 930 cc e una potenza di 54 CV. Questa variante era equipaggiata con un contagiri sul cruscotto, un albero a camme specifico e una coppa dell’olio in lega leggera.

At the Turin Motor Show, the Vignaline models received great acclaim, leading to their production from 1964 to 1969, organized into four series with various configurations. A total of 4,000 units of the two-door Berlina, 5,000 units of the 2+2 Coupé, and just 1,000 units of the Spider were produced, amounting to approximately 10,000 cars over five years. At the same 1964 Turin Motor Show, Giannini also presented a tuned version with an increased engine capacity of 930 cc and 54 hp. This variant featured a dashboard tachometer, a specific camshaft, and a lightweight alloy oil pan.

La Vignalina aveva una lunghezza di 3650 mm, una larghezza di 1460 mm, e un’altezza di 1320 mm per la Berlina e 1300 mm per il Coupé. Il peso era di circa 780 kg.

The Vignalina had a length of 3650 mm, a width of 1460 mm, and a height of 1320 mm for the Berlina and 1300 mm for the Coupé. The weight was approximately 780 kg.

Tinte di Produzione / Production colors

Le Vignaline 850 furono offerte in una gamma di colori vivaci e distintivi che riflettevano lo stile e l’epoca. Tutti gli allestimenti prevedevano interni in Skai (finta pelle). Le tinte di produzione includevano:

The Vignaline 850s were available in a range of vibrant and distinctive colors that reflected the style and era. All configurations featured Skai (imitation leather) interiors. The production colors included:

Bianco con interni neri / White with black interiors

Avorio con interni rossi o neri / Avorio with red or black interiors

Turchese con interni tabacco o avorio / Turchese with tobocco or ivory interiors

Grigio Medio con interni tabacco o rosso / Grigio Medio with tobocco or red interiors

Giallo Ocra con interni neri / Giallo Ocra with black interiors

Rosso Sierra con interni neri / Rosso Sierra with black interiors

Rosso Ossido con interni tabacco o avorio / Rosso Ossido with tobocco or ivory interiors

Bleu Oltremare con interni tabacco o avorio /  Bleu Oltremare with tobocco or ivory interiors

Bleu Stile con interni tabacco o avorio /  Bleu Stile with tobocco or ivory interiors

Verde Pineta con interni tabacco o avorio /  Verde Pineta with tobocco or ivory interiors

Verde Menta con interni tabacco o avorio /  Verde Menta with tobocco or ivory interiors
*
colore di lancio solo per la prima serie / launch color only for the 1st series

Quanto costava la 850 Vignale? / How much did it cost?

La versione base sia della Berlina che del Coupé era proposta al prezzo di 895.000 Lire, equivalente a circa 17.000 euro, esclusi gli optional come i kit di carburatore a doppio corpo e pneumatici a parete bianca. In confronto, il costo della Fiat 850 normale era di circa 12.500 euro, considerando il potere d’acquisto dell’epoca.

The base version of both the Berlina and Coupé was offered at a price of 895,000 Lire, equivalent to approx. 17,000 euros, excluding optional extras such as dual carburetor kits and white wall tires. In comparison, the cost of the standard Fiat 850 was around 12,500 euros, considering the purchasing power of the time.

Lusso Version

Oltre agli allestimenti base, già molto ricchi per un’auto basata sul telaio della 850, Vignale proponeva una versione ancora più equipaggiata chiamata Lusso e Lusso Export, destinata principalmente all’esportazione in Francia, Germania e Olanda. Questa variante si distingueva per la verniciatura metallizzata in colori come Argento, Volpe Argenta, Verde Bleu, Azzurro e Oro. Includeva inoltre sopratappeti in gomma coordinati, leva del cambio e del freno a mano cromate, contagiri elettronico, accendisigari e alzacristalli elettrici. La versione Lusso era offerta al prezzo di 980.000 Lire, equivalente a circa 20.000 Euro.

In addition to the base trims, which were already quite well-equipped for a car based on the 850 chassis, Vignale offered a more upscale version called Lusso and Lusso Export, primarily aimed at export markets in France, Germany, and the Netherlands. This variant stood out with metallic paint options in colors such as Silver, Fox Silver, Green Blue, Light Blue, and Gold. It also featured coordinated rubber floor mats, chrome gearshift and handbrake levers, an electronic tachometer, a cigarette lighter, and electric windows. The Lusso version was priced at 980,000 Lire, equivalent to approximately 20,000 Euros.

Prima Serie / 1st Series

La Prima Serie fu costruita dal 1964 al 1966. Era equipaggiata con il motore della Fiat 850 Berlina Super, tipo 100 G002, con una cilindrata di 843 cc e una potenza di 37 CV. Questa versione presentava ruote solide da 12 pollici, tergicristalli incrociati, profili cromati sulla parte superiore dei parafanghi posteriori, un doppio profilo cromato sulle minigonne laterali e griglie di ventilazione del motore sul pannello posteriore.

The First Series was produced from 1964 to 1966. It was equipped with the engine from the Fiat 850 Berlina Super, type 100 G002, with a displacement of 843 cc and producing 37 hp. This version featured 12-inch solid wheels, crossed windshield wipers, chrome profiles on the top of the front fenders, a double chrome trim on the side skirts, and engine ventilation grilles on the rear panel.

Seconda Serie / 2nd Series

La Seconda Serie, prodotta nel 1967, continuava a utilizzare il motore da 843 cc e 37 CV della Fiat 850 Berlina Super. Manteneva le ruote solide da 12 pollici e i tergicristalli incrociati, ma spostava le griglie di ventilazione del motore dal pannello posteriore al cofano posteriore. Questa serie presentava un ampio profilo cromato sulle minigonne laterali e aggiungeva profili cromati sui passaruota.

The Second Series, produced in 1967, continued to use the 843 cc, 37 hp engine from the Fiat 850 Berlina Super. It retained the 12-inch solid wheels and crossed windshield wipers but relocated the engine ventilation grilles to the rear hood from the rear panel. This series featured a large chrome trim on the side skirts, removed the chrome profiles from the top of the front fenders, and added chrome accents on the wheel arches.

Terza Serie / 3rd Series

Nel 1968, fu introdotta la Terza Serie, dotata del motore della Fiat 850 Berlina Special, tipo 100 GB 000, che, pur mantenendo la stessa cilindrata di 843 cc, erogava 47 CV. Questa serie includeva aggiornamenti come i freni a disco anteriori e ruote perforate da 13 pollici. La posizione dei tergicristalli, il volante e il cruscotto erano presi dalla 850 Berlina Special, con un tachimetro che arrivava a 160 km/h. Inoltre, il font del logo sul pannello posteriore fu modificato.

In 1968, the Third Series was introduced, equipped with the engine from the Fiat 850 Berlina Special, type 100 GB 000, which, while maintaining the same 843 cc displacement, produced 47 hp. This series featured upgrades such as front disc brakes and 13-inch perforated wheels. The windshield wiper position, steering wheel, and instrument panel were borrowed from the 850 Berlina Special, including a 160 km/h speedometer. Additionally, the font of the logo on the rear panel was updated.

Quarta Serie / 4th Series

La Quarta Serie del 1969 introdusse i fari anteriori doppi, con fari interni più piccoli, mantenendo però le caratteristiche della serie precedente. Questa modifica conferì un aspetto più raffinato al frontale del veicolo, migliorando il design complessivo. Nonostante questo cambiamento, la Quarta Serie conservava gli elementi e le caratteristiche principali del modello precedente, garantendo continuità nell’aspetto e nelle prestazioni del veicolo.

The Fourth Series of 1969 introduced dual front headlights, featuring smaller inner lights, while preserving the characteristics of the previous series. This update provided a more refined look, enhancing the vehicle’s front-end styling. Despite this change, the Fourth Series retained the key features and design elements of its predecessor, ensuring continuity in the model’s overall appearance and performance.

La Fiat 850 Vignale, una Scelta Ideale per i Nuovi Appassionati di Auto d'Epoca

La Fiat 850 Vignale rappresenta una scelta eccellente per chi desidera avvicinarsi al mondo delle auto d’epoca per la prima volta. Con prezzi ancora accessibili e una meccanica semplice e affidabile derivata dalla Fiat 850, questa vettura unisce il fascino del design di Vignale alla praticità di un’auto facile da mantenere. Inoltre, la sua rarità e il prestigio del marchio Vignale la rendono una vettura con un potenziale di apprezzamento futuro, rendendola un investimento interessante per i collezionisti. Abbiamo un bellissimo esemplare in vendita qui.

The Fiat 850 Vignale, an Ideal Choice for New Classic Car Enthusiasts

The Fiat 850 Vignale is an excellent choice for those looking to enter the world of classic cars for the first time. With still affordable prices and simple, proven mechanics inherited from the Fiat 850, this car combines the charm of Vignale’s design with the practicality of an easy-to-maintain vehicle. Additionally, its rarity and the prestige of the Vignale name make it a car with strong future value potential, making it an attractive investment for collectors. We have a beautiful specimen for sale here.

Fiat 850 Vignale & Cinema

Thank you to IMCDb.org.

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Sultan Brunei Car Collection

Everyone has heard stories about the Sultan of Brunei’s immense and almost mythical car collection, but few details have ever been confirmed. Shrouded in secrecy, this legendary fleet of rare and bespoke automobiles has fascinated enthusiasts for decades. Recently, a handful of insider photos emerged online, offering a glimpse into the hidden treasure trove.

What many don’t realize is that much of the collection’s extravagance can be traced back to the Sultan’s younger brother, Prince Jefri Bolkiah. With the Royal Family’s extraordinary fortune; largely built on Brunei’s vast oil and gas reserves; Prince Jefri spearheaded an era of unparalleled spending in the 1980s and 1990s. The Sultanate’s wealth was immense, with the Sultan’s net worth reportedly reaching $30 billion, enabling extravagant purchases on a scale that stunned the world.

At its peak, the Royal Family’s car collection was rumored to include around 7,000 vehicles, valued at over $5 billion. This included custom Ferraris, Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, and bespoke models from almost every luxury automaker, many of which were tailored to the exacting tastes of Prince Jefri. It’s estimated that the family’s spending on Rolls-Royces alone exceeded £480 million during the 1990s, making them the brand’s single most important clients.

Italian design house Pininfarina played a vital role in bringing many of the family’s automotive visions to life. From reengineering Ferraris like the 456 into custom sedans and wagons to crafting entirely unique vehicles, Pininfarina became deeply entwined with the Royal Family’s car projects. However, this dependence on the Sultan’s commissions came at a cost. When the family’s spending spree came to an end, Pininfarina faced severe economic difficulties, forcing it to sell parts of its private collection to survive.

In this article, we dive into some of the most iconic custom cars from the Sultan’s collection, focusing on the Italian masterpieces created by Pininfarina and other renowned coachbuilders. From bespoke Ferraris to completely reimagined Bentleys, these cars showcase an extraordinary chapter in automotive history—one driven by unparalleled wealth, obsession, and creativity.

Paolo Garella: The Architect Behind the Collection

Paolo Garella is an Italian engineer whose career spans over three decades, defined by his blend of technical expertise and creative innovation. His journey began at Goodyear’s Technical Center in Luxembourg, where he honed his skills in advanced testing and vehicle dynamics. His ability to solve complex problems and his leadership potential quickly became apparent, leading him to PTI-Albatech, where he worked on hybrid and electric vehicle projects.

In 1992, Garella joined Pininfarina, where he would become a key figure in the company’s development. He rose through the ranks, managing the Prototype Engineering and Manufacturing Department, and later founding Pininfarina Special Projects in 2002. Under his leadership, this division produced bespoke, one-off cars for clients with unique tastes, reinforcing Garella’s reputation as a master of tailored automotive solutions.

Sultan Brunei Car Collection

A defining chapter of his career was his work with the Sultan of Brunei’s legendary car collection. Garella’s ability to navigate the pressures of working with the royal family and his focus on creating personalized, exceptional vehicles earned him their trust and solidified his position as a leading figure in automotive design.

After leaving Pininfarina in 2009, Garella continued to contribute to the automotive world, founding Manifattura Automobili Torino in 2014. Throughout his career, he remained focused on craftsmanship, collaboration, and innovation, earning respect not only for his technical expertise but for his leadership and dedication to creating extraordinary cars.

Pininfarina and the Right-Hand Drive Conversions

Pininfarina’s collaboration with the Sultan of Brunei involved a unique challenge: converting left-hand drive performance cars, like the Ferrari 288 GTO and F40, to right-hand drive, as preferred by the Sultan. Led by Paolo Garella, Pininfarina’s engineers had to re-engineer the entire car, from repositioning the dashboard to adjusting the suspension, all while maintaining the cars’ performance.

In addition, Garella and his team upgraded the air-conditioning systems to handle Brunei’s tropical climate, ensuring comfort without compromising the cars’ high-performance standards. This project wasn’t just technical; it was an opportunity for Pininfarina to blend craftsmanship with engineering, creating bespoke vehicles tailored to the Sultan’s exact needs. Each car became a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, reflecting the Sultan’s vision of luxury.

The love for the 456 GT

The Ferrari 456 designed by Pietro Camardella became a key part of the Sultan of Brunei’s collection, with Pininfarina tasked to create unique versions, all known as “Venice” models. In total, around 42 bespoke Ferraris were built, including four-door sedans, five-door wagons, and two-door convertibles, all tailored to the Sultan’s preferences. Notably, Pininfarina adapted a night vision and a Porsche 928 automatic transmission to the 456, as the Sultan preferred automatic gearboxes.

Sultan Brunei Car Collection

Additionally, the cars received modifications to suit Brunei’s tropical climate, including enhanced air-conditioning and subtle design tweaks. These Venice versions weren’t just custom cars; they were a blend of luxury and innovation, each reflecting the Sultan’s distinctive vision.

The Ferrari 550 Bahar

Sultan Brunei Car Collection

The Ferrari 550 Bahar is a unique one-of-a-kind vehicle commissioned by the Sultan of Brunei for his son, Prince Bahar. Built by Pininfarina with Paolo Garella managing the project, it’s a bespoke version of the Ferrari 550 Barchetta, created before the official release of the model.

The most notable modification is the custom hardtop, transforming the open-top Barchetta into a coupe-like design for a more weather-resistant, luxurious experience. The car also features a front-mounted automatic gearbox from Mercedes-Benz, offering greater comfort compared to the traditional Ferrari manual transmission. The roof system was borrowed by the Mercedes-Benz R129 SL, but was widened for improved structure and elegance. Only three units were built, making the 550 Bahar an exclusive creation.

The Ferrari FX

Sultan Brunei Car Collection

The Ferrari FX is a unique, bespoke car created by Pininfarina for the Sultan of Brunei. Only few units were produced, featuring a flat-twelve engine from the Ferrari Testarossa and a 7-speed sequential manual transmission from Williams F1, allowing it to reach a top speed of 205 mph. Each car was custom-built to the Sultan’s specifications, blending luxury with performance. While five were delivered to Brunei, the fourth car was cancelled by the Sultan and later acquired by Dick Marconi. This car is now displayed at the Marconi Automotive Museum in California, making the Ferrari FX a rare and exceptional part of automotive history.

The Ferrari Mythos

Sultan Brunei Car Collection

Unveiled at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show, the Mythos is a stunning concept car by Pininfarina, based on the Ferrari Testarossa. Designed by Pietro Camardella, it features a bold, wedge-shaped body with a 4.9-liter flat-12 engine producing 390 hp, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. Though not intended for production, the Sultan of Brunei commissioned several specimens, one in red and another in turquoise, adding them to his legendary collection. The Mythos’ design would later inspire the Ferrari F50, and its story is further connected to the Ferrari F90, a proposal that became a limited production for Prince Jefri of Brunei.

The F90

Sultan Brunei Car Collection

The Ferrari F90 is a unique creation that emerged from Enrico Fumia’s rejected concept for the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show. Although the design wasn’t chosen for the show, it was revived in 1988 when Prince Jefri of Brunei requested a bespoke supercar. Fumia’s design was adapted and approved for the Prince, leading to the creation of the F90.

Unveiled in 2005, the F90 featured a Targa roof, sleek lines, and functional yet stylish elements like elliptical front motifs. It retained the Testarossa’s V12 engine but introduced innovative design features. The car was tested secretly and remained largely unknown until a 2002 photo revealed one in the Sultan’s garage. Ferrari officially recognized the F90 in 2005.

Today, the six Ferrari F90s remain part of the Sultan of Brunei’s private collection, with Fumia hoping one day to share his creation with the world.

The Bolide

Sultan Brunei Car Collection

The Ferrari F50 Bolide was an ambitious project by the Brunei Royal Family and Pininfarina in the late 1990s. The plan was to convert six F50s into right-hand-drive models and create six unique track-focused Bolide variants. While a full-scale model was made, featuring a wooden chassis and foam body, the project never reached production.

The Bolide was envisioned with a V10 engine derived from Ferrari’s F1 technology, offering a true performance experience. However, financial and logistical challenges led to its cancellation, leaving only the model as a legacy. The F50 Bolide remains a fascinating “what if” in automotive history.

The Love for Bentey

Bentley was one of the Sultan of Brunei’s favorite brands, and his collection of bespoke vehicles crafted in collaboration with Pininfarina is a testament to his love for luxury and exclusivity. These unique creations, most assembled by the Italian coachbuilder Coggiola, reflect the Sultan’s penchant for personalization and his desire to own the finest automobiles in the world.

Among the standout pieces is the Bentley Azur 2-Door Convertible, a one-of-a-kind vehicle based on the Bentley Turbo R. Finished in a striking black-on-black color scheme, it combines high performance with supreme elegance, featuring a 6.75-liter V8 engine and a rare four-wheel-drive system. The Azur 4-Door Convertible, also a custom creation, reimagined the original design into a four-door version, finished in an elegant blue with a matching interior, and similarly equipped with four-wheel drive to meet the Sultan’s specific preferences.

The Bentley B2 Coupé, originally introduced in 1994, underwent a significant interior retrofit inspired by the Bentley B3, a model the Sultan of Brunei favored for its more refined and successful cabin design. While only 13 units of the B2 were ever built, this bespoke grand tourer reflected the Sultan’s desire for exclusivity. The Bentley B3, another highly exclusive creation, was based on the Bentley Continental R and produced in an even more limited run of just 12 units. Renowned for its elegant design and luxurious interior, the B3 set a benchmark for the Sultan’s bespoke fleet, influencing the modifications made to the earlier B2 Coupé. Among the Sultan’s unique collection was also the Bentley Phoenix Cabriolet, a striking and rare model from the 1990s, with only five examples ever made. One of these was finished in the Sultan’s official shade of yellow, further enhancing its uniqueness. Additionally, the Bentley Spectre Convertible, introduced in 1995, showcased the pinnacle of personalized luxury, combining exclusive design with tailored craftsmanship to suit the Sultan’s precise tastes.

The Aston Martins

The Aston Martin AM3 and AM4 were custom creations commissioned by the Sultan of Brunei in 1995, designed by Pininfarina’s Scott A. Barras. Both models were built on the Aston Martin Vantage 600 chassis, with only three units of each produced.

The AM3 features a sleek, modern design with a composite nose cone and unique rear lights, offering a forward-thinking take on Aston Martin’s classic grille shape. The AM4, on the other hand, blends retro styling inspired by the DB5 and DB6 with modern elements, creating a muscular yet elegant silhouette.

Both cars reflect the Sultan’s desire for luxury and exclusivity, with each being a rare and distinctive addition to his extraordinary collection.

The Argento Vivo

Sultan Brunei Car Collection

The Honda Argento Vivo, unveiled at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show, was a futuristic two-seater convertible with a sleek aluminum frame and a retractable hardtop. Captivated by its design, the Sultan of Brunei commissioned four unique versions based on the Mercedes-Benz SL73 AMG R129 platform, each with a powerful 7.3-liter V12 engine. Valued at over $1 million each, two of these bespoke vehicles were delivered to his collection, while the other two remained unfinished—one briefly appearing on eBay in 2009, and the other disappearing into mystery.

The Jaguar XJ220 Pininfarina

Sultan Brunei Car Collection

The Jaguar XJ220 Pininfarina, commissioned by the Sultan of Brunei in 1995, featured bespoke updates by Pininfarina and Coggiola. The custom design included fixed headlights, new rear lights, and a reworked rear wing, while the interior was upgraded to match its luxurious exterior in dark green. Retaining the original supercharged V6 engine and aluminum chassis, only two were made. One was destroyed in a fire, and the other’s location remains unknown.

The Cinquecento Pick-Up

Sultan Brunei Car Collection

The Fiat Cinquecento Pick-Up AH, a one-off creation by Pininfarina is a unique evolution of the original Cinquecento Pick-Up concept. Designed under the guidance of Paolo Garella, the car features a roll bar over the loading bed, Spiaggina-inspired doors, and an open-air design for a breezy, summer aesthetic. Finished in elegant “Agnelli” blue with a matching leather interior, it includes exclusive AH logos and Pininfarina badges. As a right-hand-drive model, it perfectly aligns with the Sultan’s preferences, blending compact functionality with luxurious design.

The Other Design Houses

The Rolls-Royce Majestic, created by Bertone for the Sultan of Brunei between 1995-1997, is an exclusive model with only six units built. Powered by a turbocharged V8, it features active seat belts and a luxurious interior designed to the Sultan’s specifications.

The BMW Nazca M12, a prototype designed by Fabrizio Giugiaro, was powered by a BMW V12 engine and was built as a lightweight supercar. While it never went into production, at least one was made for the Sultan, finished in a unique blue paint.

The Aston Martin Lagonda Vignale, a 1993 concept by Ghia Design, was powered by a Lincoln V8 engine, though it was intended to feature a V12. Only three units were built, with one going to the Sultan of Brunei, finished in a striking brown color and fitted with a V12 Jaguar engine.

The Legacy and Lessons of Brunei’s Automotive Obsession

The Sultan of Brunei’s car collection is a remarkable showcase of the artistry and craftsmanship that comes from working with renowned coachbuilders like Pininfarina. Each bespoke vehicle represents a unique blend of luxury, performance, and personalization, highlighting the Sultan’s deep passion for cars. From custom Ferrari 456s to one-off Aston Martins and Jaguars, these cars are not just machines but works of art. However, as the Sultan eventually stopped commissioning new cars, Pininfarina faced challenges due to their heavy reliance on this one client. With limited diversification, the company faced economic difficulties and was eventually forced to sell part of their private collection to stay afloat. It’s a reminder of how even the most successful collaborations can face challenges when they lack balance and diversification.