Fiat 522 C Berlina Viotti

Vehicle Overview

The Fiat 522 C Berlina Viotti was a coachbuilt variant of the Fiat 522 C, introduced in 1931 by the Italian manufacturer Fiat. The 522 series was positioned in the upper-middle segment of the Fiat range and was equipped with a 2,516 cc inline-six engine, producing approximately 52 horsepower. The “C” designation referred to the version with a shortened wheelbase. The vehicle featured a four-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on the higher gears and was among the first Fiat models to adopt hydraulic braking on all four wheels. This Berlina version was bodied by Carrozzeria Viotti of Turin, a coachbuilder known for its high-quality custom bodies and patented Clairalpax construction system. This technique, utilizing lightweight metal alloys and reduced structural pillars, allowed for enhanced visibility and a more refined silhouette, consistent with the advanced aesthetic standards of the early 1930s. One example of the Fiat 522 C Berlina by Viotti received significant attention at the 1931 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Entered in Class VII of the competition, it was awarded first prize in its category. The event, held on the shores of Lake Como, was at the time one of the most prestigious gatherings for luxury and custom-built automobiles in Europe. The Viotti-bodied 522 C was recognized for the harmony of its proportions, modernity of design, and the refinement of its finish, reflecting the stylistic direction of Italian coachbuilding in the interwar period. Precise production figures for the Viotti-bodied 522 C Berlina are not documented, though available sources indicate the model was built in extremely limited numbers. Chassis information for the specific vehicle awarded at Villa d’Este in 1931 has not been definitively established in published records.