Fiat Ardita Double Phaeton Pininfarina

The Fiat Ardita Double Phaeton by Pinin Farina.

Vehicle Overview

The Fiat Ardita Double Phaeton, unveiled in 1931 by Pinin Farina, was a remarkable creation that demonstrated the coachbuilder’s forward-thinking approach to automotive design. With this open body on a Fiat Ardita chassis, Pinin Farina anticipated the stylistic evolution of the de luxe sports car, while at the same time respecting car fashions of the period. Today we would call it a spider except for the two dickey seats dug out of the tail, making it reminiscent of the old type of open 4-seater carriage known as a double phaeton. Sharing similarities with the Cadillac V16 in terms of its body style, this Fiat model was a prime example of elegance combined with innovation, especially in its lines and proportions, which gushed with personality. What made the Fiat Ardita Double Phaeton particularly striking was its unusual balance of proportions. The car featured a deeply sloping windscreen with two side elements, which gave it a dynamic, aerodynamic appearance—something not commonly seen in that era. Even more notable were the fully flanged mudguards that seamlessly integrated with the running boards. This smooth connection between the elements was a design innovation well ahead of its time, anticipating future trends in automotive styling where body lines would become more fluid and cohesive. One of the car’s most distinctive features was its tail section, which housed two additional seats, known as dickey seats, hidden under a covering panel. Access to these seats was cleverly designed, with side doors and a tilting mechanism for the panel. This setup was not only functional but also beautifully executed, making the rear seats feel as much a part of the car’s overall design as the front. What truly set the Ardita Double Phaeton apart, however, was the secondary windscreen provided for the rear passengers. This windscreen was identical to the front one and even featured similar side appendages that could be fixed to the doors and opened sideways. This feature was revolutionary for the time, serving as a forerunner to today’s wrap-around windows, which enhance both comfort and aesthetics. In combining these innovative design elements with Pinin Farina’s characteristic elegance, the Fiat Ardita Double Phaeton stood as an early testament to the coachbuilder’s visionary work and its ability to push the boundaries of automotive design.

Technical Specifications

Body

One off
Year

1932
Make

Fiat
Model

Ardita Cabriolet
Coachbuilder

Pininfarina
Length (mm)

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Width (mm)

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Height (mm)

N/A
Units built

1
Engine Type

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Make

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Model

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Cylinder Capacity

N/A
Number Of Doors

N/A
Six Month Rate

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Twelve Month Rate

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Date Of First Registration

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Year Of Manufacture

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CO2 Emissions

N/A
Fuel Type

N/A
Tax Status

N/A
Transmission

N/A
Colour

N/A
Type Approval

N/A
Wheel Plan

N/A
Revenue Weight

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Tax Details

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Mot Details

N/A
Taxed

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mot

N/A
Make

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Cylinder Capacity

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Registration

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Year Of Manufacture

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CO2 Missions

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Fuel Type

N/A
Tax Status

N/A
Colour

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Type Approval

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Wheel Plan

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Revenue Weight

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DESIGNER

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Fiat Ardita Double Phaeton Pininfarina

Vehicle Overview

Technical Specifications

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Fiat Ardita Double Phaeton Pininfarina

Vehicle Overview

Technical Specifications

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