Description
Extremely rare 1956 FIAT 1100-103 TV (Turismo Veloce) Coupé.
- Bodied by Carrozzeria Vignale to a stunning design by Giovanni Michelotti
- Only five examples were built, designated “Desirée” by Vignale
- Chassis number: 103 TV - 207180
- Engine number: 103 006 - 214139
- Exhibited at the 1956 Turin Motor Show
- Originally delivered new in Genoa, it remained there with the same owner for 55 years
- Registered with its original Genoa license plate
Invited and exhibited at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2019 (Preservation Class) and at the Concorso Italiano in California in 2024 where it was awarded the Best Preserved Trophy.
Retains its original paint and entirely original interior. Restored mechanically, it is ready for regular road use
Complete with a Certificate of Origin issued by FIAT Classiche, confirming matching numbers
Included with the car: owner’s manual, spare parts catalogue, jack, tools and tool bag, and the period book "Carrozzieri Italiani" in which it is featured in a photograph
Eligible for the Mille Miglia, procedure to obtain certification in the Registro 1000 Miglia is in progress
BODYWORK & PAINTWORK:
The car still retains its original first paint, as applied by Carrozzeria Vignale, in good condition considering its 70 years of age. It certainly lacks the shine of a freshly restored car. There are no signs of rust, either on the surface or on the underbody, demonstrating that the car has been properly stored throughout its long life.
The panel alignment is extremely precise; the doors, hood, and trunk lid open and close with great accuracy. This confirms both the high standards that Alfredo Vignale imposed on the craftsmen of his coach-works and the fact that the car appears to have never been involved in an accident or undergone repairs.
Overall, the entire bodywork is perfectly straight, free of dents or scratches. Some chrome trim, especially the rear bumper, could be re-plated, but I preferred to leave it as is to maintain a consistent patina across all parts. The wheels are fitted with the rare and beautiful Ruspa hubcaps, all in excellent condition.
All glass is in excellent condition, with the operable windows (the front sliding windows and rear quarter vents) opening and closing smoothly. The seals show signs of age in some areas.
Overall, this is a cosmetically well-preserved automobile that should be enjoyed in its current condition.
TECHNICAL:
Mechanically, the car underwent a major overhaul in 2018-2019, prior to its participation in the 2019 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and its Tour d'Elegance. The work involved a rebuild of the engine, as well as the cleaning and inspection, or refurbishment, of all mechanical components, from the carburetor to the clutch, electrical system, and brakes.
Following that, the car was used sporadically until 2024, when it participated in Concorso Italiano in Monterey. Everything functions excellently, though—given its limited use in recent years—it likely requires a general check-up to return to the road as it deserves. The exhaust pipe is as old as the car and it is probably time to replace it.
The five Pirelli tires are still the original ones fitted from new; they are 70 years old and would need to be replaced for intensive use (for an Italian 1950s custom-built car, the best choice would be Michelin or Pirelli tires with white sidewalls).
In summary, from a usability perspective, everything is robust and solid and works satisfactorily, but a general inspection is recommended.
INTERIOR:
The interior is also entirely preserved in its original condition, just as it was created by the master craftsmen of Carrozzeria Vignale. The seats upholstered in synthetic leather fabric (“skai”), the rubber mats that still carry their distinctive scent, the headliner, the beautiful Nardi wooden steering wheel, the instruments and switches—everything is original. There are some localized seam separations on the seat cushions.
As with the exterior, it is worthwhile to preserve the interior in its current state to maintain its originality and, consequently, its uniqueness and historical value.
DOCUMENTS:
The car still retains its original Italian registration (Genova). It is therefore ready to be registered in any EU country without any customs duties or taxes.
