Highlights

Former Italian museum exhibit
Imported to the UK in 2012
Over £12,000 spent on repairs since
Used sparingly since restoration
Part of a no expense spared private collection

The Appeal

It’s a testament to the ‘rightness’ of the design for Fiat’s 1100 that this post-war family saloon stayed on sale for over 15 years after its debut at the 1953 Geneva Motor Show. Introducing advanced features like a monocoque design and a cabin heater, the 1100 proved its strength in Mille Miglia, with its durability honed on the driveways of homes across Europe.

This particular car was manufactured in 1955 and stayed in Italy for most of its life, including many years serving as a museum exhibit, during which time it barely turned a wheel. It was imported to the UK in 2012 and sold at a Coys auction at Blenheim Palace to the current owner. Since then, a comprehensive refurbishment of many mechanical, electrical and perishable parts has been undertaken, with particular focus on the brakes. A portfolio of receipts and invoices collectively indicates a maintenance spend in excess of £12,000, though the reward for these endeavours is clear.

Stepping inside this car whisks you straight back to a time when its Bakelite fittings, central pillar doors and bench seats were in vogue. Nor is it as spartan as you might imagine, offering a heater, rear courtesy lights, a locking petrol cap and an illuminated rearview mirror among other features. Some internal fabrics will require attention, in particular the door cards, while there are signs of historic repairs across one of the lower door sills.

In short this lovely honest little fiat is nicely presented, its had a lot of expenditure on mechanicals ensuring it drives as it should, but as with most, there is room for improvements should the lucky new owner want to add their own personal touches to the car.

The History and Paperwork

Fiat Motor Club GB letter confirming 1955 origins
Used sparingly and regularly exhibited at car shows
Retains original plaques and stickers
Imported to the UK in 2012
Chassis number 161553

The Condition

Celluloid two-spoke steering wheel
Two-tone upholstery only lightly patinaed
Original toggle and pull switches on dash
Exterior chrome and paint in good condition
Surface corrosion on wingmirror and door sill

The Mechanics

1089cc engine originally produced 48 bhp
Engine bay appears clean and corrosion-free
Underside of car in extremely good order
Brakes have been extensively upgraded
Mechanical repairs by specialist Fiat garages

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

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✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.