Celebrating the Art of Italian Coachbuilding
Celebrating the Art of Italian Coachbuilding
The Fiat 127 Vip by Moretti.
The Fiat 127 VIP was a limited-production variant of the Fiat 127, conceived by Italian coachbuilder Moretti in the early 1980s. Based on the third series of Fiat’s widely successful compact hatchback, the VIP version aimed to elevate the model’s appeal through subtle but distinctive styling revisions and enhanced interior trim. The result was a refined interpretation of the popular 127, offering a more premium alternative within the framework of a utilitarian urban vehicle. Externally, the 127 VIP retained the basic silhouette and compact proportions of the standard model, characterized by its clean, angular lines and practical hatchback configuration. Modifications included a restyled front grille, body-colored bumpers, unique badging, and alloy wheels designed specifically for this edition. Selective use of chrome and metallic paint options further emphasized the car’s more upscale character. These exterior changes were modest but effective in setting the VIP apart from its mass-produced counterparts. The interior received considerable attention from Moretti’s craftsmen. Upholstery was upgraded with higher-quality fabrics, often in coordinated color schemes, and the dashboard featured wood or imitation wood inserts, depending on specification. Additional soundproofing and enhanced trim elements contributed to a more refined driving environment. The layout of the controls remained unchanged, preserving the original ergonomics, but the overall ambience was designed to evoke a sense of discreet luxury within the confines of a small car. Mechanically, the 127 VIP continued to use Fiat’s well-proven 903 cc inline-four engine, paired with a four-speed manual transmission. This drivetrain delivered around 45 horsepower, sufficient for city use and occasional longer journeys, while maintaining the economy and reliability that had made the 127 a bestseller. Suspension, brakes, and steering systems remained largely unchanged, preserving the balanced and predictable road manners of the base model. Produced in small numbers and primarily for the domestic market, the Fiat 127 VIP stands as a notable example of how coachbuilders like Moretti extended the appeal of mass-produced vehicles through bespoke enhancements. It reflects a period in automotive history when personalization and craftsmanship found expression even in the realm of compact, everyday transport.
Moretti Motor Company was founded in 1925 by Giovanni Moretti in order to design and build motorcycles, both of his own design and with agreements with other companies. Using the same motorcycle engines, Giovanni Moretti also dabbled in microcars in the late 1920s and early 1930s…
