1957 Fiat 1100/ 103TV ‘Trasformabile’
The Fiat 1100 103 TV (Turismo Veloce) made its debut at the 1953 Paris Motorshow. With strong performance for its 1, 089cc displacement – 50bhp at 5200rpm and a 140km/ h top speed – it was aimed at a sporty clientele. Although mostly unchanged from the standard 1100, the Turismo Veloce (TV) variant featured a fog light in the centre of the grille, two-tone paint and ‘anatomical’ seats. Although fine for city driving or a weekend run in the country, the 1100 TV was also a useful road racer, especially in the Mille Miglia where it dominated its class for years.
Perhaps the most desirable derivative was the Turismo Veloce Trasformabile, or convertible. Introduced at the 1955 Geneva Salon d’Auto, it was built by Carrozzerie Speciali Fiat and its Detroit-inspired body with wrap-around windscreen, distinctive chrome grille, concealed hood, folding seats and 145km/ h top speed all contributed toward this model’s popularity, especially in the US where most of the 571 built first series cars found their first owners. Costing Lire 1, 250, 000 in 1955, the Trasformabile was one of the faster open cars of the period and in the 1956 Mille Miglia, an example driven by Massari/ Cats finished 80th overall and 4th in class.
In 1956 when the new 1100 103E saloon was released changes cascaded across all the related models. The Trasformabile gained 3 bhp and a slightly modified rear suspension. Production continued for another year, around 450 of these second series cars were built, putting total production to around 1021 cars.
Following on in late 1957 was the introduction of the 1200 model with a new 1221cc engine. This was the same as used in the 1200 Granluce saloon (the replacement for the 1100TV). The new 1200 Trasformabile had several styling changes too, the front and rear bumpers, headlights, rear deck and seats. This model was built until 1959, with around 2, 360 cars being produced
This is a 1957 second series 1100TV Trasformabile, so, one of only 450 built.
A factory RHD car, which may well make it unique, and also comes with a very rare factory hardtop.
It was imported into the UK in November 1960 from Malaya, and copies of the
Original RF60 logbook show only 4 previous owners, the last being a Ms. Allen who owned the car from 1970 up until 2004 when the present owner acquired
the car.
The car is very original (having never been restored) and complete but now requires some degree of restoration/ recommissioning, having been unused since the mid 1980’s. Being a survivor car it maybe a shame to completely restore it.
The engine is currently out and has been stripped and largely rebuilt including:
Re-ground crank, new oil pump, new pistons, new camshaft, new followers, new clutch, reconditioned head, carburettor, starter motor, dynamo, radiator etc. but requires assembling.
The body/ structure is very good – and would appear to have had very few if any repairs over its 65 years. It appears to have had one respray in its life, which is believed to have been in the early 1980’s. It will require some localised repairs
to the rear valance area – as can be seen in the pictures.
The interior is original, original seats and material, rubber mats, lovely Nardi steering wheel, even the hood is thought to be the original.
This is a unique chance for a fabulous project, eligible for such events as the Mille Miglia and Concorso d’Eleganza.
The car comes with current V5C (note number non transferable) Copies of old RF60 log book, a few bits of paperwork, brochures and a workshop manual.
