Stigler 4EC Berlinetta

Vehicle Overview

The Stigler 4EC Berlinetta by Carrozzeria Touring Milano represents a remarkable, albeit little-known, chapter in automotive history. In 1941, amid the fuel shortages of World War II, Carrozzeria Touring undertook the ambitious project of building an electric car. The chassis of the Fiat 1100L served as the foundation for this innovative vehicle, which was commissioned expressly for Count Franco Mazzotti, one of the famed “Four Musketeers” of the Mille Miglia. Named the Stigler 4EC Berlinetta, the car was a product of necessity and ingenuity. Carrozzeria Touring, renowned for its Superleggera (super lightweight) construction method, applied this technique to ensure the vehicle’s lightness. This was crucial for achieving reasonable performance and range with the electric powertrain, as battery technology at the time was rudimentary and inefficient by today’s standards. The Superleggera method, which involves using a lightweight framework over which aluminum body panels are mounted, provided the essential weight savings needed. The Stigler 4EC Berlinetta was not just a technical experiment but also a design statement. It featured striking contrast elements, with white-painted fenders standing out against the black-painted body. This was not merely an aesthetic choice; it was a safety feature intended to make the vehicle more visible on the road, a critical consideration during wartime conditions when road visibility and safety were paramount. Despite its innovative nature and the prestigious context of its creation, the Stigler 4EC Berlinetta had a fleeting existence. The car was showcased to Benito Mussolini at Villa Torlonia, underlining its significance and the high hopes placed on it. However, as the war continued to rage across Europe, the vehicle was lost, disappearing into the annals of history. The Stigler 4EC Berlinetta stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of Carrozzeria Touring Milano and the automotive industry during one of history’s most challenging periods. It highlights the blend of necessity-driven innovation and aesthetic craftsmanship, reflecting a unique moment when electric vehicles were explored as a solution to wartime fuel shortages.