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The Fiat 1400 Panoramica by Zagato Milano.
The Fiat 1400 Panoramica stands as a testament to Ugo Zagato’s innovative spirit and his determination to push the boundaries of automotive design. In the aftermath of the Second World War, Zagato found himself seeking refuge on the tranquil shores of Lake Maggiore, where his creative instincts flourished. Inspired by a desire to experiment with new forms and materials, Zagato conceived the concept of the ‘Panoramica,’ envisioning it as a symbol of renewal for his coachworks in the post-war era. His experiments were driven by a quest for more spacious and comfortable interiors for sports cars, leading to the adoption of Plexiglas—a revolutionary material that allowed for novel curvatures and significant weight savings. The Fiat 1400 Panoramica, unveiled at the 1951 Turin Auto Salon, showcased Zagato’s distinctive design language and innovative approach to automotive styling. Built on the chassis of the Fiat 1400, this unique creation epitomized the marriage of Italian craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. While the Fiat 1400 Panoramica was a standout example of Zagato’s craftsmanship, it was just one of several models produced by Carrozzeria Zagato Milano using various chassis, including those of the Fiat 500 Topolino, 1100 and this 1400, Lancia Ardea, MG 1500, Alfa Romeo 8C and also the more expensive Ferrari 166 MM and Maserati A6G. The Fiat 1400 Panoramica was exhibited at the 1951 Turin Auto Salon. The Fiat 1400 Panoramica, with its spacious and comfortable interior and distinctive Plexiglas elements, represented a bold departure from traditional automotive design. Its presence at the 1951 Turin Auto Salon signaled Zagato’s reemergence as a pioneering force in the world of automotive styling, leaving an indelible mark on the industry that continues to inspire generations of car enthusiasts and designers alike.
Photo courtesy of Ruote da Sogno
The car with which Zagato inaugurated the “Panoramica” series in 1947 was a Fiat “1100”, characterized by a large and bright passenger compartment, in which the transparent surfaces were expertly made with a mix of crystal and Plexiglas, an experimental material that allowed the curvature.
