The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The Fiat 1100 TV Antibes by Carrozzeria Vignale
The Fiat 1100 TV Antibes, a one-off masterpiece designed by the legendary Giovanni Michelotti and built by Carrozzeria Vignale, stands as a remarkable example of 1950s Italian automotive design. Unveiled at the 1954 Turin Auto Salon, the Antibes captivated audiences with its elegant, slender lines and refined aesthetics. Its debut was followed by an appearance at the Concorso d’Eleganza al Pincio in Rome later that same year, where it further cemented its reputation as one of Michelotti’s most beautiful creations. The Antibes was celebrated for its graceful and innovative design, characterized by clean, flowing lines that exuded sophistication. One of the standout features was the natural wood stripe running along the fender, an unusual and eye-catching detail that added a touch of warmth and artisanal charm to the sleek, metallic body. This wooden accent became the car’s defining element, seamlessly blending with the metalwork to create a harmonious and luxurious visual effect that set it apart from other vehicles of the time. Michelotti’s use of this feature was a testament to his ability to combine traditional craftsmanship with modern design sensibilities, resulting in a car that was both timeless and forward-thinking. The Fiat 1100 TV Antibes is widely regarded as one of Michelotti’s finest designs, celebrated for its balanced proportions, elegant simplicity, and the subtle yet impactful details that define the vehicle’s character. Its design ethos was mirrored in the Fiat 1100 TV Mignon, another Michelotti creation presented the following year, which shared similar design cues and the same spirit of refined Italian elegance. The Antibes’ delicate curves, streamlined profile, and understated luxury captured the essence of 1950s Italian automotive style, making it a highlight of both Vignale’s craftsmanship and Michelotti’s visionary approach to car design. Its unique combination of innovative features and classic beauty has led many to consider it the pinnacle of Michelotti’s work, representing a perfect blend of art and engineering. Though it remained a one-off, the Fiat 1100 TV Antibes continues to be admired as a symbol of Italian design excellence, reflecting a golden era of automotive creativity and the enduring legacy of Giovanni Michelotti.
The story of Carrozzeria Vignale represents one of the many somewhat forgotten success stories born against the backdrop of an Italy that was torn apart by the Second World War and which, starting from the end of the 1950s, was able to recover enough to know a real miracle. economical just a few years later.
