1955 Fiat 8V Vignale Coupe

8V Vignale Coupe image

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The Fiat 8V Vignale Coupe 1955 is a unique and extremely rare coupe car from the legendary Italian manufacturer, Fiat. This car is part of an exclusive line of racing-oriented coupes that Fiat manufactured only between 1952 and 1954, and the Vignale Coupe model was specifically designed and built in collaboration with the renowned coachbuilder, Vignale.

The 8V Vignale Coupe is powered by a naturally aspirated, 2.0-liter, V8 engine that uses overhead valves and produces 110 horsepower at 6200 rpm. This engine was developed by Fiat's racing department and is based on the company's 1100 inline-four engine that powered many of their compact cars at that time. The V8 engine in the 8V Vignale Coupe is paired with a 4-speed manual transmission that transmits power to the rear wheels. The maximum speed of this car is around 118 mph, making it one of the fastest and most agile cars of its time.

The body of the Fiat 8V Vignale Coupe is fabricated from aluminum panels, and its streamlined and elegant coachwork was entirely custom-crafted by Vignale. The design of the car's body is inspired by the shapes and curves of Italian sports cars of the period, giving the car a beautiful yet restrained appearance. The cockpit of the 8V Vignale Coupe is also beautifully crafted and defined by a mix of leather, chrome, and wood accents.

The car's suspension system consists of independent wishbones with coil springs at the front and a rigid axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear, providing a fine balance between handling, stability, and comfort. The brakes are hydraulic drum units all around, with ventilated discs at the front, providing excellent stopping power.

The overall driving experience of the Fiat 8V Vignale Coupe is characterized by its lightness, agility, quick acceleration, and excellent handling. The car's relatively small size and low weight make it easy to maneuver through tight corners and twisty roads. The 8V Vignale Coupe was also a successful racing machine, earning many victories in the competitive sports car racing of the time.

In conclusion, the Fiat 8V Vignale Coupe 1955 is a rare and exceptional car that combines Italian elegance, high-performance, and innovation in a unique design that has become a legend among collectors and enthusiasts. This coupe represents the pinnacle of racing-oriented cars that were built during the golden age of sports cars, embodying the very essence of Italian engineering and design excellence.

Milestones

- Introduction of the Fiat 8V Vignale Coupe in 1952 - Production of the first 200 models, mainly for racing purposes - Design collaboration with Italian coachbuilder Vignale for the creation of a stylish and luxurious coupe body - Debut of the Fiat 8V Vignale Coupe at the 1954 Turin Auto Show - Limited production of only 114 units over a period of two years due to high costs and competition in the market - Use of a 2.0-liter V8 engine with up to 125 horsepower and a top speed of 125 mph - Inclusion of advanced features for its time, such as four-wheel independent suspension, a dual-circuit braking system, and a five-speed manual transmission - Success in motorsports, with notable wins at the 1954 Mille Miglia and Monza Grand Prix - Rarity and exclusivity of the Fiat 8V Vignale Coupe, making it a highly desirable collector's item among car enthusiasts today


Technical

• Engine: 2.0-liter, V8, Single Overhead Camshaft • Maximum Power: 110 horsepower @ 6400 rpm • Maximum Torque: 120 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm • Transmission: 4-speed manual • Window Configuration: Power Windows • Exterior and Interior Design by Vignale • Top Speed: 118 mph • 0-60 mph: 10.2 seconds • Front Suspension: Double Wishbone • Rear Suspension: Live Axle • Front Brakes: Hydraulic Drums • Rear Brakes: Hydraulic Drums • Wheelbase: 98.4 inches • Weight: 2,315 pounds • Production Run: 114 made • Cost at Release: $7,000 (approx.)

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