The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
This Fiat 8V with a special body by Pininfarina (chassis #0085) was commissioned by Giovanni Nasi, Fiat vice-president in that period.
The Fiat 8V Berlinetta Speciale, chassis #0085, is a unique masterpiece, drawing inspiration from the iconic Pininfarina Ferrari 375MM Bergman and also featuring elements reminiscent of the 1960 Ferrari 250 SWB. This one-off design made its debut at the prestigious 1955 Turin Motor Show, captivating audiences with its exquisite craftsmanship and innovative design. Originally owned by the then-vice president of Fiat, Giovanni Nasi, this extraordinary vehicle now resides in the esteemed Righini Collection, a testament to its enduring legacy. Battista Pinin Farina, the legendary Italian designer, unveiled this coupé version of the Fiat 8V at the 1955 Geneva Motor Show, drawing on design cues from the Ferrari 375 MM that had made waves at the Paris Motor Show the previous year. The styling of the Fiat 8V Berlinetta Speciale bears a striking resemblance to the famed Ferrari model famously gifted to Ingrid Bergman by Roberto Rossellini. However, beneath its captivating exterior lies the heart of a Fiat, featuring a potent Fiat 8V engine, enhanced by 60 horsepower and aptly dubbed the Monza. Often hailed as a “carrozziere-artist,” Pinin Farina possessed a remarkable talent for blending form and function, catering to both European sensibilities and American tastes without veering into excess. The Fiat 8V Berlinetta Speciale is a testament to his creative genius, boasting a design that strikes a perfect balance between elegance and performance. With subtle nods to the Maranello-based Ferrari brand, particularly the 375 MM Scaglietti Coupé, this bespoke creation exudes sophistication and attention to detail. From its harmonious proportions to its emphasis on comfort, every aspect of the Fiat 8V Berlinetta Speciale reflects the culmination of Pinin Farina’s decades of automotive design expertise, making it a truly timeless work of art on wheels.
In March 1952, Fiat surprised the world at the Geneva Motor Show with the Fiat 8V. A two-seater sports car that was also designed as a racing car. What was surprising was that Fiat had not shown any interest in re-entering the racing scene up to this point.
