The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
Carrozzeria Canta started in 1949 to build bodies with its own brand working with the designer Giovanni Michelotti.
The Fiat 1100 TV Canta is a notable example of mid-20th century Italian automotive design, created by Carrozzeria Canta. In 1954, Canta primarily worked with Fiat 1100 and Fiat 1400 chassis, unveiling two models that prominently featured design elements reminiscent of the Studebaker Champion. These designs, crafted by the renowned designer Giovanni Michelotti, were met with significant public acclaim. However, their striking resemblance to the Studebaker Champion also attracted the attention of Studebaker‘s legal team. Faced with potential accusations of design infringement, Carrozzeria Canta was compelled to revise their models. By late 1954, they introduced a new series featuring distinct lines that diverged from the original Studebaker-inspired aesthetics. This timely redesign allowed Canta to sidestep the rip-off accusations and continue their innovative work without legal entanglements. The Fiat 1100 TV Canta’s evolution reflects the dynamic interplay between inspiration and originality in automotive design. The initial models demonstrated Michelotti’s ability to capture and reinterpret popular American car design trends, while the subsequent redesign showcased Canta’s agility in adapting to legal and market pressures. This period of rapid change ultimately contributed to the unique identity of the Fiat 1100 TV Canta, distinguishing it in the competitive automotive landscape of the 1950s.
In 1960 the entrepreneur and importer Renato Bornigia commissioned Pietro Frua and Francis Lombardi to carry out a project to mass-produce (1000 cars) a variant of the Studebaker Lark in 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan versions.
