This 1951 Fiat 1400 Vignale Cabriolet was purchased by Mrs. Dorothea Herrsher from Vignale himself. She brought the car to the U.S. where it was shown and featured on the cover of the February 1953 issue of Motor Trend. The car was last seen at the 1953 Concour d'Elegance Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles where it was escorted by actor John Hart (The Lone Ranger).
Fiat introduced the 1400 Vignale Cabriolet in 1950. This was their first new post-war model. It was immediately a favorite with Italian designers and coachbuilders. It is fitted with a 4-cylinder 1374 cc engine producing 44 horsepower, attached to a 4-speed manual transmission and capable of 75 mph while achieving 20 mpg. Alfredo Vignale apprenticed with Stabilimenti Farina and established his own company. They were responsible for designs for Fiat 1400 such as the one shown here. It debuted at the 1952 Turin Auto Show and went on to be shown all over Europe.
In 2015 the car was found in the care of Kahn Chinn who had owned the car for 40+ years although he had never driven the car himself as he had purchased it as a project.
Design and Features
- Manufacturer: Fiat, an Italian automotive manufacturer.
- Coachbuilder: The bodywork of the Fiat 1400 Vignale Cabriolet was crafted by Vignale, a prestigious coachbuilder based in Turin, Italy.
- Body Style: The Fiat 1400 Vignale Cabriolet features a two-door convertible body style, characterized by its sleek lines and classic proportions typical of 1950s Italian design.
- Chassis: Built on Fiat’s 1400 platform, which provided a robust foundation for the car’s structure and dynamics.
- Bodywork: The body panels were likely made from steel, with aluminum used for some components to reduce weight and improve performance.
- Interior: The interior of the Fiat 1400 Vignale Cabriolet would have been luxurious, featuring high-quality materials such as leather upholstery, wood trim, and chrome accents. It would have accommodated four passengers comfortably.
Performance
- Engine: Powered by Fiat’s inline-four engine, which was typical for Fiat models of the time. The specific engine in the Fiat 1400 Cabriolet would have been a 1.4-liter (1395 cc) inline-four.
- Power Output: The engine produced approximately 44 horsepower, providing adequate performance for cruising and city driving.
- Transmission: Equipped with a manual gearbox, offering smooth gear changes and contributing to the car’s driving dynamics.
- Driving Dynamics: The Fiat 1400 Vignale Cabriolet would have offered a comfortable and balanced ride, suitable for both leisurely touring and spirited driving on winding roads.
- Brakes and Suspension: Likely featured drum brakes and independent front suspension with a solid axle and leaf springs at the rear, which were standard for cars of this era.
Historical Significance and Legacy
- Italian Style: The collaboration between Fiat and Vignale resulted in a car that epitomized Italian automotive design and craftsmanship of the 1950s.
- Limited Production: Like many coachbuilt cars of its time, the Fiat 1400 Vignale Cabriolet would have been produced in limited numbers, adding to its rarity and exclusivity.
- Collectibility: The Fiat 1400 Vignale Cabriolet is highly prized among collectors and enthusiasts of classic Italian cars, valued for its design, rarity, and historical significance.
Notable Features
- Distinctive Design: The Fiat 1400 Vignale Cabriolet featured elegant and flowing lines, with chrome accents and stylish details that reflected the post-war optimism and glamour of the era.
- Coachbuilding Craftsmanship: Vignale’s expertise in crafting bespoke bodies ensured that each Fiat 1400 Cabriolet was unique and tailored to the preferences of its owner.
- Luxury Amenities: The interior would have featured amenities such as a well-appointed dashboard, comfortable seating, and accessories designed to enhance the driving experience.
You may purchase a print of this 1951 Fiat 1400 Vignale Cabriolet in our dElegance 2019 online gallery.
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