1954 Fiat 8V Coupé

We’ve featured plenty of Porsches, Ferraris, Lamborghinis et al on the pages of The Coolector but it’s probably fair to say that we’ve not featured many Fiats. But, in our defence, there aren’t many that look quite as awesome and extraordinary as this 1954 Fiat 8V Coupé that is going under the hammer with RM Sotheby’s at their Paris auction. This glorious looking steed is one of just 114 8Vs ever built; and one of only 29 second-series cars built in-house by Fiat so if you’re the one lucky enough to get your hands on it when the hammer goes down, you’ll be in very exclusive company.

The 1954 Fiat 8V Coupé from RM Sotheby’s benefits from an enthusiastic ownership history since arriving in England in 1965 and it has been enjoyed on both road and track, including the 2015 Goodwood Revival and 2016 Vernasca Silver Flag. It is fitted with a synchromesh 8V gearbox, original transmission included in the sale and retains its matching numbers engine. It is presented in remarkable condition given that it’s well over half a century old and this classy looking machine will definitely become a favourite piece in any collector’s lineup of vehicles.

MID-CENTURY CLASSIC

The Fiat 8V maintains a legacy as one of the Italian marque’s most iconic cars. Its limited production run, spanning from 1952 to 1954, resulted in 114 examples of the 8V—or Ottovù in Italian—being released. Interestingly, some cars were designed and made almost completely in-house by Fiat’s Dipartimento Carrozzerie Derivate e Speciali, or Special Bodies Department. In total, 63 were penned by Fiat’s chief designer, Fabio Rapi; 34 first-series cars and 29 second-series cars. Its high quality new powertrain was developed by Dante Giacosa, and the 2.0-litre Tipo 104 all-aluminium engine boasted a finned sump, forged crankshaft, polished intakes and ports, and tubular stainless-steel exhaust manifolds.

This 1954 Fiat 8V Coupé from RM Sotheby’s was first delivered to Austria on 22 June 1954, after being completed by Fiat as one of only 29 factory-made second-series 8Vs, and it is easily distinguished by the double-layer headlights. Chassis number 000104 has spent the majority of its life in the U.K., having been delivered new to Austria and remaining in continental Europe until the mid-1960s. At which point it was exported from Germany and registered in the U.K. by Anthony Roy Nichols of Norwich on 11 January 1965. The car’s original 1965 logbook is included in the history file, and describes it as a red coupé fitted with engine 104.000 000156, the same that is fitted in the car to this day.

Enjoyed for many years by enthusiastic and careful owners in the U.K., including in the 13-year custodianship of its current owner who sent the car for servicing by Ian Nuthall at INRacing in 2021. This extraordinary looking 8V offers a range of possibilities to its next lucky owner, as it would surely be perfect for entry into a variety of vintage races and tours, or for spirited road use when you want to go on an unforgettable road trip or turn heads aplenty in your local town or city. A breathtaking machine which is sure to generate a lot of buzz when it comes up for sale in Paris next month.

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