Fiat 132 Aster

Vehicle Overview

The Fiat 132 Aster, crafted by Carrozzeria Zagato in Milan, represents a unique chapter in automotive design, marked by its distinctive styling and limited production. Designed by Giuseppe Mittino for Zagato, the Fiat 132 Aster was introduced as a striking departure from conventional design, though it faced mixed reactions for its resemblance to contemporary Japanese car lines. Two distinct specimens of the Aster were built. The first, a vibrant green model, made its debut at the 1972 Turin Auto Salon, showcasing Zagato’s innovative approach to design. The second specimen, an eye-catching orange vehicle, was presented at the 1973 Geneva Motor Show. Despite their shared base, the two cars featured several differing details, highlighting the bespoke nature of the project. Both Aster prototypes were constructed using the mechanical components of the standard Fiat 132, equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that ensured reliable performance. However, the most notable feature of these models was their aluminum bodywork, a material chosen to enhance both the vehicle’s aesthetics and performance. Unfortunately, this choice contributed to high production costs, making the project economically unfeasible for Fiat. The Fiat 132 Aster was criticized at the time for its design, which some critics felt was too similar to the styling trends prevalent in Japanese cars. Despite these criticisms, the Aster remains an intriguing example of 1970s automotive design, reflecting the bold experimentation characteristic of Zagato’s work. Ultimately, the Aster remained a one-off project due to the prohibitive cost of producing the aluminum bodies. While it did not transition into mass production, it stands as a testament to the innovative spirit of Zagato and the daring design ethos of the era.