Beschreibung:

Among the first all-new post-WWII cars in Europe was Ing. Dante Giacosa's Fiat 1100, introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 1953. It was a practical, but spirited and good handling car, able to reach 75 mph when Europeans only expected 60 from a car like a Volkswagen in this class. The Fiat 1100 was to Italian motor heads what the flathead Ford V8 was to Americans. Countless homemade and not-so-homemade specials used Fiat 1100 components, including fairly high-profile sports cars such as the Cisitalia 202. When Formula Junior was conceived in the late '50s, the first and best front-engined Juniors – Stanguellini and Taraschi - were Fiat 1100 based. Fiat was very aware of the Italian demand for quick cars. For 1954, they introduced the Fiat 1100 TV ('Turismo Veloce' or Fast Touring), differentiated from the base model by trim, paint schemes and horsepower. Whereas the base car had 36 hp, the TV offered 50. The maximum speed increased to 82-83 mph. With a chassis not unlike the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, with precise steering, well-located rear axle and good brakes, many TVs were entered in the Mille Miglia. 1956 saw over 100 of this model entered! There are very few Fiat 1100's extant in the U.S, and fewer still proper examples. As for the 1100 TV model, this may be the only one in the U.S, as they were never officially imported. It bears the personalized California plate "GIACOSA" honoring its designer. The original Piacenza plate is also on the car. Interesting, too, are the 1957 and 1958 ACI (Automobile Club of Italy) decals on the forward side of the rear view mirror. The subject car was acquired by the vendor about ten years ago in Piacenza, Italy. It was discovered by Gino Munaron, a successful and well-loved Ferrari endurance driver of the 1950s. It is in very good original, preserved, unrestored condition. Its credentials include running and finishing the 2002 Mille Miglia piloted by Gino Munaron, who was met with a wildly affectionate and enthusiastic reception in every town along the route. The vendor reports this TV runs and drives very well and is ready to be a unique head-turner at any modern day Mille Miglia style tour. It's sure to be the only entry with Sr. Munaron's autograph on the hood. Without reserve