Fiat – 1100 TV Trasformabile

Vehicle Overview

While Fiat had historically been known for producing small, mass-produced and very affordable automobiles, the 1950s and 1960s saw a change in this image as sportier models were introduced and the Abarth-tuned Fiats accumulated racing wins around Europe. Although models as the 500 and 600 were integral to the company’s success, the 1100 series introduced uni-body construction and with the advent of the 1100 TV, a concerted effort was made at inexpensive sports car construction. It was in 1953, under the guidance of Fiat head designer Giovanni Zoboli, that Esparsa Comprenelli designed the 1100 TV (Turismo Veloce). Whereas Auto Sport referred to the 1100/103 Fiat sedan as “a Ford Consul with a touch of Hillman Minx in the grille,” the Turismo Veloce was all high style. The 1100 TV Cabriolet was available through 1958 and was characterized by such styling features as a split, recessed grille, roll-up windows, and a wraparound windshield.