Fiat 1400 Cabriolet Vignale

Vehicle Overview

The 1951 Fiat 1400 Cabriolet Vignale, designed by Giovanni Michelotti, stands as a masterpiece of Italian automotive design. With sketches of the model featured in the March 1952 issue of *Road and Track* magazine, this cabriolet was a bold expression of post-war innovation. Fiat introduced the 1400 in 1950, making it their first entirely new model since the war. The car quickly gained popularity among Italy’s most talented designers and coachbuilders, who used its versatile frame as a canvas for some of the era’s most iconic designs. Vignale, in collaboration with the young Michelotti, played a crucial role in defining the 1400’s aesthetic appeal. Their partnership led to the creation of several standout models, including this stunning 1951 Fiat 1400 Cabriolet Vignale. The car’s debut at the Turin Motor Show in April 1952 marked a significant moment in automotive design, as it embodied the cutting-edge style and elegance for which Vignale became renowned. Following its successful debut, the Fiat 1400 Cabriolet Vignale made waves across Europe, including a notable appearance at the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza dell’Automobile di Villa Borghese in Rome in June 1952. During this event, the car was immortalized by the Luce newsreel cameras as it gracefully glided through the scenic Pincio Gardens, capturing the attention of automotive enthusiasts and the public alike. The Fiat 1400 Cabriolet Vignale remains a symbol of the post-war Italian design renaissance, showcasing Michelotti’s distinctive styling and Vignale’s expert craftsmanship. Its presence in major automotive events during the early 1950s solidified its place in automotive history, combining sleek design with the innovation that characterized Fiat’s first post-war model. Today, it stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Italian coachbuilding and the artistic collaboration between Fiat, Vignale, and Michelotti.

Photo courtesy of Rare Classics Restorations, LLC