Patriarca 750 Berlinetta Zagato

Vehicle Overview

The Patriarca 750 Berlinetta Zagato is a singular prototype constructed in 1950 through a collaboration between the Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Zagato and Rodolfo Patriarca, a mechanic and small-scale vehicle manufacturer active in the immediate postwar period. Based on the Fiat 750 mechanical platform, the vehicle was conceived primarily for competitive motorsport applications and as a demonstration of engineering and design capability. The vehicle’s mechanical foundation consisted of the standard Fiat 750 chassis and drivetrain, featuring a 747 cc inline-four engine. This powerplant was modified for increased output, though precise details of the tuning and mechanical enhancements remain undocumented. Power transmission was managed through a four-speed manual gearbox driving the rear wheels. The suspension system and braking components were retained from the donor Fiat 750, with potential minor adjustments for competition use. Carrozzeria Zagato supplied a bespoke lightweight aluminum body characterized by streamlined, aerodynamic forms typical of its design language during the era. The body incorporated a fastback profile with minimal frontal area and tightly integrated fenders, constructed to reduce weight and enhance high-speed stability. The vehicle’s overall configuration favored simplicity and function, with minimal ornamentation and emphasis placed on reducing mass. The Patriarca 750 Berlinetta Zagato was intended for participation in endurance and road racing events, including but not limited to the Mille Miglia. Its design and performance parameters were aligned with the needs of privateer entrants and small constructors seeking competitive advantage within the constraints of limited resources. The car served as both a race vehicle and a promotional exemplar of the capabilities of both Patriarca and Zagato. No records indicate that the model proceeded to series production beyond the single prototype. Documentation relating to chassis numbers and ownership is scarce, with the vehicle’s provenance maintained primarily through private collections and archival references. The Patriarca 750 Berlinetta Zagato remains a relevant case study in the history of postwar Italian coachbuilding and small-scale competition car construction.