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Fiat 850 Vignale: guida completa

Fiat 850 Vignale

Nel 1964, Fiat lancia la Fiat 850, e come da tradizione, diversi carrozzieri italiani presentano le loro versioni Fuori serie basate sul telaio della 850 fornito dalla stessa Fiat. Al Salone di Torino dello stesso anno, tra i vari carrozzieri spicca la rinomata Carrozzeria Vignale, che propone tre modelli: una berlina a due porte, un coupé 2+2 posti e una graziosa spider. Queste vetture, eredi dei modelli su base Fiat 600, ereditano anche il soprannome “Vignalina”. I tre modelli furono disegnati da Virgino Vairo, con bozzetti realizzati da Alfredo Zannellato, basati su disegni di Giovanni Michelotti, designer di fiducia di Alfredo Vignale per molti anni.

In 1964, Fiat introduced the Fiat 850, and as per tradition, various Italian coachbuilders presented their custom versions based on the 850 chassis supplied by Fiat itself. At the Turin Motor Show that same year, among the various coachbuilders, the renowned Carrozzeria Vignale stood out with three proposals: a two-door sedan, a 2+2 coupé, and a charming spider. These models were the successors to the Fiat 600-based designs and inherited the nickname “Vignalina.” The three models were designed by Virgino Vairo, with sketches executed by Alfredo Zannellato, based on drawings by Giovanni Michelotti, who had been Alfredo Vignale‘s trusted designer for many years.

Al Salone di Torino, le Vignaline ottennero un grande successo, che portò alla loro produzione dal 1964 al 1969, articolata in quattro serie con diversi allestimenti. Complessivamente furono realizzati 4.000 esemplari della Berlina a due porte, 5.000 del Coupé 2+2 e solo 1.000 della Spider, per un totale di circa 10.000 unità prodotte in cinque anni. Sempre al Salone di Torino del 1964, Giannini presentò una versione potenziata con cilindrata aumentata a 930 cc e una potenza di 54 CV. Questa variante era equipaggiata con un contagiri sul cruscotto, un albero a camme specifico e una coppa dell’olio in lega leggera.

At the Turin Motor Show, the Vignaline models received great acclaim, leading to their production from 1964 to 1969, organized into four series with various configurations. A total of 4,000 units of the two-door Berlina, 5,000 units of the 2+2 Coupé, and just 1,000 units of the Spider were produced, amounting to approximately 10,000 cars over five years. At the same 1964 Turin Motor Show, Giannini also presented a tuned version with an increased engine capacity of 930 cc and 54 hp. This variant featured a dashboard tachometer, a specific camshaft, and a lightweight alloy oil pan.

La Vignalina aveva una lunghezza di 3650 mm, una larghezza di 1460 mm, e un’altezza di 1320 mm per la Berlina e 1300 mm per il Coupé. Il peso era di circa 780 kg.

The Vignalina had a length of 3650 mm, a width of 1460 mm, and a height of 1320 mm for the Berlina and 1300 mm for the Coupé. The weight was approximately 780 kg.

Tinte di Produzione / Production colors

Le Vignaline 850 furono offerte in una gamma di colori vivaci e distintivi che riflettevano lo stile e l’epoca. Tutti gli allestimenti prevedevano interni in Skai (finta pelle). Le tinte di produzione includevano:

The Vignaline 850s were available in a range of vibrant and distinctive colors that reflected the style and era. All configurations featured Skai (imitation leather) interiors. The production colors included:

Bianco con interni neri / White with black interiors

Avorio con interni rossi o neri / Avorio with red or black interiors

Turchese con interni tabacco o avorio / Turchese with tobocco or ivory interiors

Grigio Medio con interni tabacco o rosso / Grigio Medio with tobocco or red interiors

Giallo Ocra con interni neri / Giallo Ocra with black interiors

Rosso Sierra con interni neri / Rosso Sierra with black interiors

Rosso Ossido con interni tabacco o avorio / Rosso Ossido with tobocco or ivory interiors

Bleu Oltremare con interni tabacco o avorio /  Bleu Oltremare with tobocco or ivory interiors

Bleu Stile con interni tabacco o avorio /  Bleu Stile with tobocco or ivory interiors

Verde Pineta con interni tabacco o avorio /  Verde Pineta with tobocco or ivory interiors

Verde Menta con interni tabacco o avorio /  Verde Menta with tobocco or ivory interiors
*
colore di lancio solo per la prima serie / launch color only for the 1st series

Quanto costava la 850 Vignale? / How much did it cost?

La versione base sia della Berlina che del Coupé era proposta al prezzo di 895.000 Lire, equivalente a circa 17.000 euro, esclusi gli optional come i kit di carburatore a doppio corpo e pneumatici a parete bianca. In confronto, il costo della Fiat 850 normale era di circa 12.500 euro, considerando il potere d’acquisto dell’epoca.

The base version of both the Berlina and Coupé was offered at a price of 895,000 Lire, equivalent to approx. 17,000 euros, excluding optional extras such as dual carburetor kits and white wall tires. In comparison, the cost of the standard Fiat 850 was around 12,500 euros, considering the purchasing power of the time.

Lusso Version

Oltre agli allestimenti base, già molto ricchi per un’auto basata sul telaio della 850, Vignale proponeva una versione ancora più equipaggiata chiamata Lusso e Lusso Export, destinata principalmente all’esportazione in Francia, Germania e Olanda. Questa variante si distingueva per la verniciatura metallizzata in colori come Argento, Volpe Argenta, Verde Bleu, Azzurro e Oro. Includeva inoltre sopratappeti in gomma coordinati, leva del cambio e del freno a mano cromate, contagiri elettronico, accendisigari e alzacristalli elettrici. La versione Lusso era offerta al prezzo di 980.000 Lire, equivalente a circa 20.000 Euro.

In addition to the base trims, which were already quite well-equipped for a car based on the 850 chassis, Vignale offered a more upscale version called Lusso and Lusso Export, primarily aimed at export markets in France, Germany, and the Netherlands. This variant stood out with metallic paint options in colors such as Silver, Fox Silver, Green Blue, Light Blue, and Gold. It also featured coordinated rubber floor mats, chrome gearshift and handbrake levers, an electronic tachometer, a cigarette lighter, and electric windows. The Lusso version was priced at 980,000 Lire, equivalent to approximately 20,000 Euros.

Prima Serie / 1st Series

La Prima Serie fu costruita dal 1964 al 1966. Era equipaggiata con il motore della Fiat 850 Berlina Super, tipo 100 G002, con una cilindrata di 843 cc e una potenza di 37 CV. Questa versione presentava ruote solide da 12 pollici, tergicristalli incrociati, profili cromati sulla parte superiore dei parafanghi posteriori, un doppio profilo cromato sulle minigonne laterali e griglie di ventilazione del motore sul pannello posteriore.

The First Series was produced from 1964 to 1966. It was equipped with the engine from the Fiat 850 Berlina Super, type 100 G002, with a displacement of 843 cc and producing 37 hp. This version featured 12-inch solid wheels, crossed windshield wipers, chrome profiles on the top of the front fenders, a double chrome trim on the side skirts, and engine ventilation grilles on the rear panel.

Seconda Serie / 2nd Series

La Seconda Serie, prodotta nel 1967, continuava a utilizzare il motore da 843 cc e 37 CV della Fiat 850 Berlina Super. Manteneva le ruote solide da 12 pollici e i tergicristalli incrociati, ma spostava le griglie di ventilazione del motore dal pannello posteriore al cofano posteriore. Questa serie presentava un ampio profilo cromato sulle minigonne laterali e aggiungeva profili cromati sui passaruota.

The Second Series, produced in 1967, continued to use the 843 cc, 37 hp engine from the Fiat 850 Berlina Super. It retained the 12-inch solid wheels and crossed windshield wipers but relocated the engine ventilation grilles to the rear hood from the rear panel. This series featured a large chrome trim on the side skirts, removed the chrome profiles from the top of the front fenders, and added chrome accents on the wheel arches.

Terza Serie / 3rd Series

Nel 1968, fu introdotta la Terza Serie, dotata del motore della Fiat 850 Berlina Special, tipo 100 GB 000, che, pur mantenendo la stessa cilindrata di 843 cc, erogava 47 CV. Questa serie includeva aggiornamenti come i freni a disco anteriori e ruote perforate da 13 pollici. La posizione dei tergicristalli, il volante e il cruscotto erano presi dalla 850 Berlina Special, con un tachimetro che arrivava a 160 km/h. Inoltre, il font del logo sul pannello posteriore fu modificato.

In 1968, the Third Series was introduced, equipped with the engine from the Fiat 850 Berlina Special, type 100 GB 000, which, while maintaining the same 843 cc displacement, produced 47 hp. This series featured upgrades such as front disc brakes and 13-inch perforated wheels. The windshield wiper position, steering wheel, and instrument panel were borrowed from the 850 Berlina Special, including a 160 km/h speedometer. Additionally, the font of the logo on the rear panel was updated.

Quarta Serie / 4th Series

La Quarta Serie del 1969 introdusse i fari anteriori doppi, con fari interni più piccoli, mantenendo però le caratteristiche della serie precedente. Questa modifica conferì un aspetto più raffinato al frontale del veicolo, migliorando il design complessivo. Nonostante questo cambiamento, la Quarta Serie conservava gli elementi e le caratteristiche principali del modello precedente, garantendo continuità nell’aspetto e nelle prestazioni del veicolo.

The Fourth Series of 1969 introduced dual front headlights, featuring smaller inner lights, while preserving the characteristics of the previous series. This update provided a more refined look, enhancing the vehicle’s front-end styling. Despite this change, the Fourth Series retained the key features and design elements of its predecessor, ensuring continuity in the model’s overall appearance and performance.

La Fiat 850 Vignale, una Scelta Ideale per i Nuovi Appassionati di Auto d'Epoca

La Fiat 850 Vignale rappresenta una scelta eccellente per chi desidera avvicinarsi al mondo delle auto d’epoca per la prima volta. Con prezzi ancora accessibili e una meccanica semplice e affidabile derivata dalla Fiat 850, questa vettura unisce il fascino del design di Vignale alla praticità di un’auto facile da mantenere. Inoltre, la sua rarità e il prestigio del marchio Vignale la rendono una vettura con un potenziale di apprezzamento futuro, rendendola un investimento interessante per i collezionisti. Abbiamo un bellissimo esemplare in vendita qui.

The Fiat 850 Vignale, an Ideal Choice for New Classic Car Enthusiasts

The Fiat 850 Vignale is an excellent choice for those looking to enter the world of classic cars for the first time. With still affordable prices and simple, proven mechanics inherited from the Fiat 850, this car combines the charm of Vignale’s design with the practicality of an easy-to-maintain vehicle. Additionally, its rarity and the prestige of the Vignale name make it a car with strong future value potential, making it an attractive investment for collectors. We have a beautiful specimen for sale here.

Fiat 850 Vignale & Cinema

Thank you to IMCDb.org.

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Prince Skyline Sport Allemano

The end of World War II left Japan in a difficult position, having to transition its industries from military production to civilian use. This challenge was particularly tough since Japan, like Germany and Italy, was a defeated nation. However, Japan’s ability to adapt would set the stage for one of the most exciting collaborations in automotive history.

Among the companies responsible for this transformation were Tachikawa and Nakajima, two of Japan’s leading aviation companies. Tasked with shifting to civilian production, Tachikawa (later known as Tokyo Electric Cars) began building electric cars in 1947. Their first model, the Tama, was followed by a slightly larger Junior, and eventually, the Senior.

In the early 1950s, Japan’s evolving automotive landscape saw a shift from electric-powered cars to gasoline engines. By the end of 1951, the Tama Senior was fitted with a 1.5-liter petrol engine, a shift that led to the creation of the Prince Sedan in 1952. This was the beginning of Prince Motor Company, which was named in honor of the official investiture of Crown Prince Akihito.

In 1954, Fuji Precision Machinery (formerly Nakajima) acquired Prince Motor Company and embarked on producing automobiles under the Prince brand. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in Japan’s automotive history.

The Birth of the Skyline and the Search for European Inspiration

By the late 1950s, Prince Motor Company had gained recognition in Japan for its innovative vehicles, such as the Prince Sedan and the Skyline (introduced in 1957). However, the company sought to take their vehicles to a new level—focusing on luxury, performance, and innovation. To do so, they looked westward, to Europe, for inspiration.

Europe was home to some of the most prestigious automotive brands, and Fuji Precision Machinery executives wanted a vehicle that could rival the best of Europe. This aspiration led them to Italy, where they arranged a pivotal meeting at the Salone dell’Automobile (Turin Motor Show) with Carrozzeria Allemano, a respected coachbuilder with ties to Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti.

The collaboration between Japan and Italy led to the creation of the Prince Skyline Sport, a car that would redefine the trajectory of Japan’s automotive design. This groundbreaking partnership merged Japanese engineering with Italian artistry, setting a new standard for style and innovation. The success of this collaboration inspired other Japanese manufacturers to partner with Italy’s legendary design houses, creating some of the most iconic vehicles of the 1960s.

Mazda, for example, worked with Bertone, enlisting the renowned Giorgetto Giugiaro to design the Familia, a compact car that skillfully blended European elegance with Japanese practicality. In 1963, Daihatsu teamed up with Vignale to produce the Compagno, along with its sporty variants: the Sport Spider and Coupé; which reflected a uniquely Italian flair. The following year, Pininfarina collaborated with Datsun to craft a sleek new look for the Bluebird, a move that helped the car gain global recognition. By 1965, Isuzu joined forces with Ghia to design the Bellett II, a concept car that showcased bold and forward-thinking design elements.

These partnerships went beyond aesthetics; they helped establish a global identity for Japanese automakers. By working with Italy’s most respected design houses, Japanese manufacturers gained fresh perspectives on styling while enhancing their reputation for innovation and quality. These collaborations not only transformed the appearance of Japanese cars but also elevated their appeal to international markets, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

A Handcrafted Masterpiece

Under the direction of Giovanni Michelotti, one of Italy’s most respected automotive designers, the Skyline Sport would be an example of high-end craftsmanship. Initially, the first series of prototypes were built by Carrozzeria Allemano, known for its hand-built bodies. Later, a second series of production would be completed by Carrozzeria Michelotti, adding the final touch to this luxury vehicle.

The Skyline Sport was designed as a two-door coupe with sleek, flowing lines and a sporty yet elegant appearance. Michelotti’s design incorporated canted headlights, angled downward at the inside corners—a feature seen in other high-end vehicles like the Lincoln Continental and Buick during the late 1950s and early 1960s.

At the heart of the Skyline Sport was a 1.9-liter GB-4 engine that generated 94 horsepower, giving it a top speed of 150 km/h. Despite weighing in at 1,350 kg, the car’s handling was remarkably smooth, thanks to a double-wishbone front suspension and a De Dion rear axle, technologies that were innovative for its time.

The Prince Skyline Sport: A Bold Statement

The Skyline Sport debuted at the 1960 Turin Motor Show, where it garnered international attention for its bold design and luxury features. Available in both a coupe and a convertible version, it was a striking example of Italian design combined with Japanese engineering. Its clean lines, striking front grille, and eye-catching details made it a standout at the show.

But its beauty was more than skin deep. The Skyline Sport was a car that delivered in terms of both aesthetics and performance. With its meticulously crafted body, luxurious interior, and advanced suspension, the car offered an exceptional driving experience that rivaled the finest European vehicles of the era.

The Prince Skyline Sport made its official appearance in Japan at the 1962 Tokyo Motor Show, where it was met with great enthusiasm due to its elegant lines and striking design. With its sleek coupe and convertible versions, the car showcased a perfect blend of Italian craftsmanship and Japanese engineering, captivating the crowd with its sophisticated aesthetic. However, the Skyline Sport came with a hefty price tag of 1.85 million yen, more than twice the cost of a standard sedan. This steep price limited its appeal in Japan’s domestic market, making it a rare and exclusive collector’s item. Despite its high price, the car gained significant exposure through its prominent feature in Toho films, strategically marketed to heighten its status as a luxury icon.

A Historic Collaboration and Legacy

The Prince Skyline Sport is historically significant as the first collaboration between an Italian designer and a Japanese automaker, setting a precedent for future cross-cultural partnerships in the automotive world. It was a testament to the universal appeal of Italian design and the skill of Michelotti and Carrozzeria Allemano. The Skyline Sport bridged cultural and geographical boundaries, bringing together the best of both worlds to create a truly exceptional car.

Though the Skyline Sport never achieved high sales numbers, with only 60 to 200 units produced, its impact on the automotive industry cannot be overstated. It paved the way for later models like the Skyline GT-R and helped establish the Prince Laurel, another model that would become iconic in Japan.

The Skyline Sport also marked the beginning of Prince Motor Company’s shift toward luxury vehicles. This emphasis on quality and refinement would continue after Nissan’s acquisition of Prince Motors in 1966, with the Skyline Sport serving as a precursor to future generations of luxury cars from Japan.

The Prince Skyline Sport was more than just a car—it was a statement of innovation, craftsmanship, and the power of international collaboration. The partnership between Giovanni Michelotti, Carrozzeria Allemano, and Prince Motor Company created a vehicle that showcased the best of both Italian design and Japanese engineering.

Though limited in production and availability, the Skyline Sport remains an important part of automotive history. It stands as a symbol of the potential for global partnerships to create groundbreaking designs, and its legacy continues to inspire the automotive world today.