Fiat 1200 Sport Wagon Pininfarina

Vehicle Overview

The Fiat 1200 Sport Wagon Pininfarina, unveiled at the 1957 Turin Motor Show, was a groundbreaking vehicle built on Fiat’s new chassis. This innovative model represented a shift in design, as it was constructed entirely of metal, unlike many earlier Giardiniera, which were made from wood due to post-war metal shortages. The 1200 Sport Wagon marked a return to modernity and sophistication with its sleek, all-metal construction. One of the car’s most striking features was its bright and airy design, thanks to the expansive glass surfaces that enveloped the roof. The slim roof pillars created an almost uninterrupted wraparound effect, giving the car a modern and sophisticated look that stood out at the time. Designed for practicality, the Fiat 1200 Sport Wagon was a versatile vehicle, well-suited to various uses in the late 1950s. It was a model derived from the contemporary Pininifarina coupés and produced in small numbers, offering a combination of sportiness and utility. The car’s 2+1 door configuration gave it a resemblance to a small shooting brake; a style that combined the sporty elegance of a coupé with the practicality of a station wagon. This design had been previously explored by Pininfarina with the Fiat 1100 TV Speciale, a concept developed two years earlier by Sergio Pininfarina. The shooting brake design was not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, providing ample interior space while maintaining a sleek profile. The Fiat 1200 Sport Wagon reflected Pininfarina’s philosophy of blending style with practicality, making it stand out in a period when most designs were more conventional. By adding a touch of sportiness and refinement to the family car, it demonstrated the potential for combining utility with elegance. Though it wasn’t as widely known as some of Pininfarina’s other creations, the Fiat 1200 Sport Wagon remains a significant example of innovative design, paving the way for future vehicles that successfully married form and function.