It was the first car to be designed by the prolific and world renowned designer, Pietro Frua, as part of his carrozzeria. The sleek and sophisticated looking 1946 Fiat 1100C Spider classic car was recently put up for auction by Bonhams, in Scottsdale on the 17th January. So, we wanted to take a brief look at the history of this unique piece of automotive history…
Designed to Be a Show-Stopper
Following the Second World War, Pietro Frua purchased an old damaged factory on Via Giovanni da Verrazzano in Turin. It was there that the designer established Carrozzeria Frua, with a goal of showing the world that his designs could stand out from the competition. However, due to financial constraints and the necessity to appeal to the widest potential audience, he ordered a Fiat 1100 chassis and set about transforming it into something special, which would hopefully attract the attention of the post-war Italians.
He removed the entire body, designed a new seamless envelope body and brought the headlamps down to just above street level. He then mounted them fairly far apart at either side of a wide five-bar grille, but not so far that they couldn’t be set within the seamless body. Also, the designer ran a high ridge along the center of the grille and hood. This was then extended onto the decklid to form the unique looking fin type design at the back.
Changing Hands
The unique new car was finished and delivered to Luigi Critterio on 3rd September 1946, receiving high praise from motoring magazines, Auto Italiana and Motor Italia. It’s first ever public showing didn’t take place until 1947, when Fiat dealer Alvise DePasquale entered the car into the Villa d’Este concours.
Over the next few years the 1100C Spider went through a number of different owners, before being transferred from Milan to Pavia, after being bought by a Mr. Monti in 1950. The buyer kept the car for over three decades until 1983, and even decided to paint it red during this time.
Restored to its Former Glory
It was sold to a new owner in 2015, who raced the classic car in the 2016 Mille Miglia. Afterwards the car underwent a complete restoration in order to return it to its original specifications and appearance. To mark the 70th anniversary of the classic’s first ever appearance, it was once again shown at the Villa d’Este concours in 2017.
The 1100C Spider was then invited to the Elegance Hampton Court Palace in September that same year, where it received a nomination for “Restoration of the Year.” The bonafide one-off classic car has accrued a long list of recognitions over the last four decades, and its inclusion in the recent Bonhams’s Scottsdale auction this year; has allowed another new buyer to acquire a true world-class restored car.
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