FIAT - 1100 - An extremely rare Sport ‘Gobbone’, participant in the 1953-1954-1955 Mille Miglia

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Descrizione

- An extremely rare model packed full of charm

- A sought-after collector’s item, celebrated for its historical significance and innovative design

- Presented in its original colors

- A former Mille Miglia racer, it has participated in the 1953-1954-1955 Mille Miglia, best finish of 7th in class, in 1955

- It also competed in the 1953 Giro di Sicilia and 1955 Coppa d’Oro Delle Dolomiti, both of which it took 5th in class

- With wonderful old photos of the car during its racing career

- Very well documented by extracts provided by the “Automobile Club D’Italia” and the archives of the “Museo della Mille Miglia” in Brescia

- The former owner has spent €60,000 ($65,000 USD) over the past three years 

- Affectionately known as the ‘Gobbone’, (it means ‘humpback’ in Italian) for its prominent, curved rear section, which was an aerodynamic innovation of its time

- Mille Miglia Eligible

‘The essence of the Mille Miglia goes far beyond the racing cars, the drivers, the winners and the losers. The Mille Miglia is part of Italian life and its echo resounds throughout Italy.’

This quote from Denis Jenkinson, co-driver to Stirling Moss in the 1955 Mille Miglia.

Devised by motoring journalist Giovanni Canestrini in Milan in 1926, the Mille Miglia raced through the Italian countryside for 30 years.

The 1100 S was Fiat’s first post-war sports car, but it had a strong lineage with the pre-war 508C “Nuova Balilla” 1100, appeared in 1937.

The car was intended as a Mille Miglia racer for the 1100cc class, the most popular at the time.

The Fiat 1100 S ‘Gobbone’ was powered by a 1,089 cc inline-four engine that produced around 51 horsepower, providing a top speed of approximately 160 km/h (100 mph).
Its unique rear-end design was influenced by aerodynamic principles, and it earned the car its distinct nickname.
The two-seater body was produced by Carrozzerie Speciali at Fiat’s own Officine Lingotto under the direction of Giuseppe Cogno.
The ‘Gobbone’ made its debut in the Mille Miglia in 1948.
This grueling 1,000-mile road race through Italy was a true test of endurance and performance for both drivers and their vehicles.
The ‘Gobbone’ quickly gained attention for its unique appearance and competitive edge.
The 1948 Mille Miglia race saw a Fiat 1100 S Berlinetta Mille Miglia ‘Gobbone’ driven by the team of Giovanni Bracco and Umberto Maglioli achieve a remarkable victory in its class.
The success of the ‘Gobbone’ contributed to Fiat’s continued involvement in motorsport, leading to the development of more racing-oriented models in the subsequent years.
A number of 401 units of the 1100 S were made, but we suspect this might be an overambitious number that includes several other body styles.
Despite the race purpose of the model, many 1100 S were sold to normal customers, convinced by the high speeds (over 150 kph) allowed by the powerful engine.
The ‘Gobbone’ remains a cherished piece of automotive history, with a few well-preserved examples still in existence and occasionally making appearances at classic car events.

AERODYNAMIC INNOVATION
The term ‘Gobbone’ means ‘humpback’ in Italian, and it aptly describes the distinctive design of the 1100 S Berlinetta Mille Miglia.
The car featured a prominent, curved rear section, which was an aerodynamic innovation of its time. This design was intended to reduce drag and increase stability at high speeds, making it ideal for racing.

ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE
According to the Archivio Storico FIAT, this car was built on 21st September 1948 with ‘Carrozzerie Speciali’ coachwork, the latter known by the nickname ‘Gobbone’ (it means hunchback in Italian) on account of its aerodynamic tail.

At the 30th of November 1948 the Fiat was delivered to its first owner, a gentleman in Milan, the new Fiat was configured as it appears today, clothed with its elegant Berlinetta coachwork and finished in a Green color and a leather interior.

Subsequently it was sold in Milan the 8th of August 1950 to Mr Faustino Campostella.

In 1953, 1954 and 1955 the Fiat ‘Gobbone’ was raced at the Mille Miglia with Mr. Campostella as driver and Mr. Collini as codriver, together with the car there are period photos during its racing career and copies of original Mille Miglia documents.

The car’s in-period racing history is as follows:
– 1953 XX Mille Miglia #330 Campostella/Collini. Result: 9th in class and 180th overall
– 1954 Giro di Sicilia #236 Campostella. Result: 5th in class and 42th overall
– 1954 XXI Mille Miglia #357 Campostella/Collini. Result: 11th in class and 129th overall
– 1954 Coppa d’Oro Delle Dolomiti #69 Campostella. Result: 5th in class and 50th overall
– 1955 XXII Mille Miglia #516 Campostella/Collini. Result: 7th in class and 144th overall

The line of owners that follow is traced and known.

Notably, the car remained under the care of a few subsequent Italian owners for almost seven decades, from 1948 to 2017.

The Fiat was acquired by a new owner in 2017.

The gearbox had been rebuilt in Italy in 2018 and the car was extensively prepared for participating in the Mille Miglia.

After participating in the 2019 Mille Miglia Edition the car was sold in 2020 to its former Dutch owner, who has spent an impressive €60,000 on it over the last three years.

The works were undertaken at the restoration specialist ‘Strada e Corsa’ based near Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

The quality of their work has been recognised on numerous occasions, with overall and class victories at Villa d’Este, Pebble Beach, Palm Beach Cavallino Classic and other prestigious events.

The result is a lightweight streamlined Berlinetta in remarkably well prepared condition.

This FIAT 1100 S is included in the Registro Mille Miglia as an original participant.

This historically significant and superbly sorted Fiat comes with Fiat “Certificato di Origine”, FIVA Class A3 Passport, old photos of the car during its racing career, copies of original Mille Miglia documents, copies of the Italian registrations in the 50’s, multiple invoices documenting the preparation and the Registro Mille Miglia Certificate adding to the documentation and history associated with this fine example of Italian motoring excellence.

CONDITION EXTERIOR
The exterior of this Fiat ‘Gobbone’ has been finished to a high level with nice paint and very nice fitting and gapping of all body panels.

Doors open and close smoothly and various bright work throughout the exterior have been polished and finely detailed to complement the Green paint.

Presenting beautifully today, with jewel-like details throughout, the Fiat 1100 S is as clean underneath as it is on top, having been very well kept since the completion of its restoration.

CONDITION INTERIOR
The bold and elegant exterior is further enhanced by the art deco influenced interior.

Once seated inside, the car is surprisingly roomy and open due to the expansive glass and light pillar work.

The door panels and seats are covered in fabulous Green leather.

The dashboard is a wonderful display of fully functional instruments and indicators, beaming in harmony with what has to be one of the most artfully designed steering wheels ever to grace the interior of a sports car.

All components are very nice in presentation and condition overall – beautifully designed and faithfully restored.

DRIVING EXPERIENCE
With race-proven heritage, stylistic roots that trace to some of the most stunning and beautiful cars ever built, and a restoration that has produced invitations to the most sought after events as the 2023 Concours d’Elegance Paleis Soestdijk in the Netherlands where it won its class ‘Mille Miglia’.

This sporty Fiat represents a sophisticated collector car with international appeal and pedigree.

Further more a wonderful and rare opportunity to own a well-documented piece of mid-century Italian craftsmanship—one that can even be enjoyed in the prestigious and exclusive Mille Miglia.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website has been compiled by The Houtkamp Collection with the utmost care. The information contained within this advert is provided ‘as-is’, without warranties as to its accuracy whether expressed or implied and is intended for informational purposes only. The Houtkamp Collection is not liable for any errors or mistakes.