Description
For sale in our forthcoming auction in Paris, on 27 october 2019
British title
Chassis n° 000012
Engine n° 000048
- Matching numbers
- One of 114 Fiat 8V (all coachbuilders together) and one of 34 Rapi 1st series
- The 3rd oldest surviving 1st Serie car
- Stunning shape, styled for racing
- Rare model with original styling, engineering and history
- Eligible for premium historic races like Mille Miglia, Tour Auto, Goodwood, and Concours events
- Presented to a very high standard
One may wonder why the Fiat 8V is called " 8V " rather than simply " V8 " which would accurately describe its configuration. It appears that at the time of its official launch at the Turin Motor Show in 1952, Fiat was concerned that Ford may own the rights to the name " V8 ". And what's more, the American market was important to Fiat. In any case, the originality of its name suited the car itself, which was clearly different, both aesthetically and mechanically, to other cars being produced at that time.
The all-aluminium V8 engine, developed by Dante Giacosa, was highly unusual, with a 70° angle between cylinder banks, a central overhead cam, over-square combustion chambers and an exhaust with raised tail pipes. The 2-litre engine initially produced 105 bhp, which increased to nearly 130 bhp with the different evolutions. This was a level of power to match Bristol's 6-cylinder engine, one of the finest around. Anyone who has driven the 8V Fiat will verify the power and versatility of its engine, which produces a magnificent sound. It is housed in a special tubular chassis, with fully independent suspension. The chassis received a body styled by Fiat's chief designer Fabio Luigi Rapi, following development in the wind tunnel. Italian sports cars were influenced by the Mille Miglia, where the long straights of the Po Valley required aerodynamic bodywork to achieve the highest speeds. Indeed, the 8V was capable of 204 km/ h, a top speed rarely seen, only in other competing models at that time. All OttoVu were intended for use in competition events, already recognizable by the seating arrangement, the driver sits optimally 20 cm in front of the co-drivers, for a better performance.
At the time, however, Fiat lacked the means to focus on racing development and was preoccupied with touring car production, relying on the 8V to boost its sporting image. Indeed, the 8V achieved some impressive sporting successes, including winning the fiercely contested 2-litre class of the Italian Championship in 1954. Lacking sufficient funds, the 8V project was dropped by Fiat after 114 examples had been built, all bodies and versions together. At least, the number built by Fiat with Rapi coachwork amounted to 62 examples, so called "Rapi I" like this car 34, 5 are destroyed, 5 are converted to other body and 1 converted to Rapi II optic, 8 cars are unknown, 2 were in parts modified, so today the correct surviving cars are 13.
The Fiat " Otto Vu " on offer is the sixth car built after six pre-production models and is the third oldest Series 1 example in existence. It was sold new on 9 March 1953 by the Fiat distributor in Turin and remains in exactly the same configuration today, without rear "spats". In 1961, the car left its home country and headed to England, imported by the dealer Wilf Phillips in Manchester. At that time it was registered '442 NB'. In 1962 it was bought by Dan Margulies, the top dealer in " old cars " at the time, based in the centre of London. In 1967, the OttoVu passed into the personal collection of Bugatti and Invicta specialist Ian Dutton, at that time a young boy of 20 years. In 1973 it was acquired by the Wood family in High Wycombe and joined the family museum, staying there until 1989. It then sold via Brian Classics to Paul Cooke who decided to undertake a full restoration. The car was stripped to the chassis and restored using as many of the original parts as possible. A black and white photograph taken before the restoration shows that our OttoVu had suffered no accident or damage. In October 2000 it was the subject of a major feature in the British magazine " The Automobile ". Roger Earl acquired the car in 2001 through the dealer Hall and Bradfield. He competed 5 times in the Mille Miglia, in Tour Auto in 2003 and 2005 as well as other historic race events and Concours d'Elégance in his car. In 2009, the current owner, a knowledgeable and serious collector, acquired it for his collection, taking part the following year in the Mille Miglia. The excellent Peter Bazille provided support during the race.
This car is presented today in ideal condition for participating in historic events. It has benefitted from an older restoration that has survived the passage of time remarkably well and has been regularly maintained by one of the top mechanics in Germany. It has its original engine that turns over like clockwork. The original interior still has its period instruments housed in the extravagant dashboard created specifically for this model.
Superbly presented and bearing no scars from competition, elegantly styled in the wind tunnel, coming with transparent history and a highly original engine, this very rare car has all the ingredients needed to make up the charm and value of a sporting classic. Moreover, it is highly eligible for the best historic races such as the Mille Miglia and concours d'élégance events.
copyright photos Peter Singhof
Auction estimate: €1 100 000 / 1 300 000
To see all the pictures available: - details above
