The mighty Fiat sports car on the '50s racing track.....

The Mighty ONES - When we think of Fiat, we often picture a company that has been synonymous with practical, affordable cars designed for the masses. From its early beginnings in 1899, Fiat steadily built its reputation as a trusted name in the automotive industry, focusing on dependable, low-cost vehicles. However, in 1952, something unexpected happened.

The 1953 Fiat 8V Series 1 Berlinetta coachwork by Fiat’s own Reparto Carrozzerie Speciali (Special Bodies Department). (Picture from: Kidston)

Fiat, known for its focus on everyday cars, decided to enter the high-performance sports car market with the Fiat 8V, a stunning two-seater powered by a two-liter V8 engine, which in Italian is known as the Otto Vu. The Fiat 8V project was led by Dante Giacosa, the company's Technical Director. This was a groundbreaking moment for the manufacturer, as the car was not only designed and built in-house but also developed in secret.

The 1953 Fiat 8V Series 1 Berlinetta coachwork by Fiat’s own Reparto Carrozzerie Speciali (Special Bodies Department) made its debut at the 1952 Geneva Auto Show held in March. (Picture from: Kidston)

While part of the project was handed over to Rudolf Hruska, who was working for Siata, Fiat still retained control over the final product. The result was a sports car that made its grand debut at the 1952 Geneva Auto Show, capturing the attention of car enthusiasts everywhere. Available in different body styles, the Fiat 8V had a unique position in the automotive market. Fiat sold the car under its own brand, but it was also offered as the Siata 208S with slight modifications.

A classic three spoke steering wheel and dashboard view of the 1953 Fiat 8V Series 1 Berlinetta coachwork by Fiat’s own Reparto Carrozzerie Speciali (Special Bodies Department). (Picture from: Kidston)

Despite its innovative design and high-performance capabilities, Fiat's venture into the world of sports cars was short-lived. Production of the 8V ended in September 1954, though some units continued to be finished in the following years, up until 1956. In total, only 114 Fiat 8Vs were produced, with an additional 96 being sold under the Siata name.

A pair of bucket seats of 1953 Fiat 8V Series 1 Berlinetta coachwork by Fiat’s own Reparto Carrozzerie Speciali (Special Bodies Department). (Picture from: Kidston)

While the Fiat 8V didn't achieve great commercial success, it did make its mark on the racetrack. Between 1952 and 1959, the car dominated the Italian GT 2-liter Championship, a remarkable achievement considering the stiff competition from iconic brands like Maserati, Ferrari, and Lancia. Fiat's bold foray into high-performance cars, though brief, proved that it could hold its own among the giants of the industry.

The 1953 Fiat 8V Series 1 Berlinetta powered by a 70 degree V configuration 1,996 cc engine able to produced power of 105 hp at 5600 rpm, and in standard form giving a top speed of 190 kph (118 mph). (Picture from: Kidston)

Of the 114 Fiat 8Vs built, 34 units were given special bodywork by Fiat’s own Reparto Carrozzerie Speciali (Special Bodies Department). After production stopped, Fiat sold the remaining units to other Italian coachbuilders. One of the most notable collaborations was with Carrozzeria Zagato, which produced 30 units under the name Elaborata Zagato. Renowned coachbuilders Ghia and Vignale also contributed to the 8V’s legacy by crafting unique bodywork for these cars, most of which were coupes, though a few cabriolets were made as well.

The 1953 Fiat 8V Elaborata Zagato coachwork by Carrozzeria Zagato known made as many as 30 units. (Picture from: Kidston)

Among the most interesting variations of the Fiat 8V was a model showcased at the 1954 Turin Motor Show. This particular car featured a fiberglass-reinforced plastic body, manufactured by Fiat's experimental bodywork department. Weighing only 48.5 kg (106.9 lbs), the lightweight design was a testament to Fiat's innovative approach, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in car manufacturing during that era.

Though the Fiat 8V's production run was brief, its impact on automotive history cannot be overlooked. The combination of its sleek design, impressive performance, and limited production numbers has made it a highly sought-after collector's item today. One example of this classic sports car can still be found on display at the Centro Storico Fiat in Turin, preserving the memory of a car that dared to challenge the status quo and left its mark in the world of high-performance vehicles. *** [EKA [21102020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | KIDSTON ]

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