1952 Fiat 8V GHIA

One of the most curious cars ever offered for sale by a major manufacturer, the 8V was built in only 114 examples over three-year period – surely a costly exercise. It is possible that another hundred cars using the same 2-litre V8 engine were made by Siata, a Fiat subsidiary company devoted to turning Fiats and making special series with individual bodies.

In standard form the 8V was quite awkward, but a few chassis were fitted with coachbuilt bodies, of which this Ghia coupe is an excellent example. Carrozzeria Ghia called the style ‘Supersonic’, and built versions on the chassis of several manufacturers, but the size of the 8V chassis made it perfect.

From its proportions, one expects this to be a big car, but in fact an optical illusion is generated by the very small size of the upper body and roof. One sits quite low, with feet extended forwards under the scuttle; the boot is minuscule; and a good part of the long nose overhangs the front wheels. The bumperless form represents the triumph of style over practicality.

These extracts are taken from Auto Legends: Classics of Style and Design by Michel Zumbrunn, text by Robert Cumberford which was published in October by Merrell