Fiat Gilco 1100 Spider Zagato

Vehicle Overview

The Fiat Gilco 1100 Spider Zagato has a unique history rooted in its development and exclusive production. Initially, Gilco set out to create the 205MM type chassis in 1949, primarily intending it for barchetta coachwork designed to compete in the prestigious Mille Miglia race. However, the project evolved into a plan to produce a small series of 50 to 100 cars, all configured as spiders. Ultimately, only a single chassis of this type was completed, which Zagato meticulously crafted into a lightweight spider body. This singular Zagato-bodied creation received its official chassis number from the Milan Motoring Authorities. On 23rd June 1951, this distinctive vehicle found its first owner in Mr. Lucio Grunzweig, registered under license plate MI 166314. Zagato’s craftsmanship on the Fiat Gilco 1100 Spider was renowned for its emphasis on lightweight design and aerodynamics, typical of the era’s racing-inspired coachwork. This bespoke creation exemplified Zagato’s expertise in melding performance-focused engineering with elegant and functional automotive design. Over the years, the Fiat Gilco 1100 Spider Zagato has stood as a testament to both Gilco’s innovative chassis design and Zagato’s mastery in crafting exclusive, high-performance vehicles. Its rarity and historical significance as a single-production model underscore its allure among automotive enthusiasts and collectors alike, representing a pivotal chapter in the evolution of Italian automotive design and engineering.