Beschreibung
H&H Classic Auction @ The Imperial War Museum, Duxford/ Cambridgeshire
20th September, 2023 10:00
1964 Fiat 2300S Coupe
Highly original UK-delivered car with only 51, 000 miles
Estimate
£35, 000 - £45, 000
Registration No: APL 111B
Chassis Number: 127489
MOT: Exempt
Delivered new by Anthony Crook Ltd
Rare right-hand drive UK-delivered 2300S Coupe
Only 51, 000 miles from new
Fully known low ownership history
In excellent, largely original condition
Extensive History File
Styled by Sergio Sartorelli and previewed on the Ghia stand at the 1960 Turin Salon whilst the Italian carrozzeria was toying with the idea of in-house production, the Fiat Ghia 2300 Coupe was officially unveiled in 1961 and hit showrooms the following year. Based on a modified Fiat 2300 Saloon platform, the Coupe's construction was outsourced to OSI. Designed by Ferrari's former powerplant maestro Aurelio Lampredi, the model's 2279cc OHV straight-six engine developed an unstressed 105bhp / 136lbft in standard tune. Abarth liberated a further 31bhp and 9lbft for the 'S' variant via the use of a higher compression ratio, hotter camshaft and two twin-choke weber carburetors. Equipped with four-wheel disc brakes, the 2300S Coupe was among the fastest and most attractive GTs of the early 1960s, outperforming the Lancia Flaminia and the Alfa Romeo 2600. Renowned for his tuning prowess, Carlo Abarth developed a competition version that thanks to its enlarged 2323cc capacity, triple (40 DCOE) twin-choke Weber carburetors, 9. 8:1 compression ratio, more aggressive camshaft and re-routed exhaust etc developed some 210bhp. Capable of over 130mph, Fiat commissioned three such cars for the 1963 season. Paul Frere / Lucian Bianchi drove one to 2nd overall (and 1st-in-class) at the Nurburgring 12-hour race, while Rudi Golderner / Karl von Kothen piloted another to 9th overall during the same event and also managed 12th overall on the Tour de France.
This rare original UK-delivered, right-hand drive Fiat 2300S Coupe has a distinguished history, having been purchased new from Anthony Crook Ltd of Bristol fame on the 28th of February 1964. The initial owner was Reginald Wright, a prominent foundry owner from Wolverhampton, who was also an owner of other high-end vehicles including a Ferrari 250 Lusso, BMW 328, and Aston Martin DB4. Mr Wright took the Fiat Coupe to his residence in the South of France, where it accumulated 27, 000 miles over a span of 23 years. On the 30th of October 1987, Nigel and Alison Cheveralls became the new owners when the car returned to the UK, selling it nine years later having covered only 34, 111 miles in total. Subsequently, the Fiat Coupe was acquired by John Charmers of Guildford on the 3rd of May 1995. Under his ownership for 9 years, the car's mileage increased by only 4, 000 miles. Mark Dixon, the editor of Octane Magazine, purchased the vehicle on the 13th of May 2004 and retained ownership for a decade. The Fiat Coupe changed hands again on the 4th of April 2014, when David Hattam of Redruth, Cornwall, bought it. Hattam performed maintenance work, including a new timing chain, cylinder head refurbishment, and repairs to the steering bush. The car was then sold with a mileage of 42, 495 miles. The current owner acquired the Fiat Coupe on the 27th of November 2017 and subsequently refurbished the brake system and replaced the clutch. The car participated in notable events such as the VSCC Pomeroy Trophy at Silverstone, where it demonstrated its capabilities. It also won the 'Best in Show' title at the 2019 Coys Blenheim Palace Concours d'Elegance. Additionally, the Fiat Coupe completed the challenging 2020 Rallye de Monte Carlo Classique, covering a distance of 3000 miles. Throughout its history, the Fiat Coupe has retained its originality and authenticity. It maintains matching numbers and still showcases its mostly original paintwork and vinyl upholstery. A comprehensive History File accompanies the car, containing valuable documents such as original Service Books, brochures, magazine articles, old MOT records dating back to the 1980s, and invoices for servicing. Notably, the file also includes a second set of keys and the original Owner's Pack, complete with the Owner’s Manual, Service Booklet, Warranty Card, Inspection Card, and Radio Certificate. In summary, this Fiat Coupe is a remarkable piece of automotive history, boasting an illustrious provenance, notable ownership history, and a record of participation in prestigious events. Its well-preserved condition and accompanying documentation make it a unique and cherished classic car.
