Fiat 1100 C Saloncino

Vehicle Overview

The Fiat 1100 “Saloncino” is a six-passenger estate-style vehicle coachbuilt by Carrozzeria Francis Lombardi in the immediate post-war period. Its design is attributed, with reasonable probability, to Giuseppe Rinaldi, an early collaborator of Lombardi and contributor to the coachbuilder’s initial postwar portfolio. Based on the Fiat 1100C and 1100L chassis, the model exemplified Lombardi’s early approach to functional body design, executed with stylistic restraint and attention to detail. The “Saloncino,” meaning “small salon,” was conceived as a multi-purpose family vehicle offering comfort, space, and contemporary refinement. The Saloncino was constructed using a combination of conventional steel structure and wood-paneled coachwork. Both the Fiat and the similar Lancia Aprilia-based versions featured an external wooden application along the sides and rear door. The wooden framing, including the tailgate, was designed to leave the B-pillar visually separate from the window, creating a notably luminous interior space. The vehicle also included a canvas sunroof as standard equipment, allowing for partial exposure of the cabin and enhancing its versatility. The Lancia Aprilia variant, introduced in 1948, employed a more elaborate double-wall construction and specialized timber materials, though the external woodwork remained visually identical to the Fiat version. Mechanically, the Fiat 1100C version was equipped with a 1,089 cc inline-four engine paired with a four-speed manual gearbox, conforming to Fiat’s postwar drivetrain architecture. The chassis featured leaf-spring suspension and drum brakes on all four wheels. The Fiat Saloncino was publicly recognized at the 1949 Concorso d’Eleganza del Pincio in Rome, where it was awarded first prize in Class XV. The interior was finished with matching wooden trim and seating for six, with an emphasis on comfort and visual cohesion. The model’s silhouette drew from Lombardi’s earlier aviation experience, emphasizing clarity of line and compact functionality. Francis Lombardi later extended the same formal vocabulary to additional body styles, including a limited-production cabriolet presented at the 1950 Turin Motor Show. These early works helped establish Lombardi’s design reputation prior to his involvement in microcars and special series in the 1960s. The Saloncino series remains a representative example of Italian coachbuilding during a period marked by material scarcity, design ingenuity, and a redefinition of postwar automotive luxury.