Extremely Rare 1957 Fiat 600 Coupé Viotti

• Approximately 100 examples were built

• Today less than 20 examples survive

• Concorso Villa d’Este eligible model

• A similar car was shown at the Quail

Fiat 600 Coupe Viotti in Chasing Classic Cars

Vittorio Viotti, Italian designer and coach builder

The history of Carrozzeria Viotti centers on its founder, Vittorino Viotti. Born in 1901, he became an entrepreneur at the tender age of 20, founding a body shop with his partner Tolfo in 1921. The two opened a shop at 9, Villa Ilarione Petitti, not far from the first Fiat factory in Corso Dante. With about a dozen specialized mechanics, they built luxury chassis based on the traditions of the time: that is fulfilling the desires of individual customers, not sufficiently satisfied by the proposals of the major carmakers and wanting a more refined and exclusive product, built according to their specific wishes and tastes. Thanks to a savvy combination of technical and sales abilities, “Viotti & Tolfo” quickly became one of the best-known brands in its sector and produced some of the most beautiful custom-built chassis in Italy in the 1920s.

Fiat 600 coupé and Granluce Viotti

Carrozzeria Viotti recovered from the disasters of the Second World War thanks to the brilliant intuition of the “Giardinetta”, the right car for all uses and therefore, perfect for the difficult historic period of the reconstruction. With the arrival of the 1950s, however, the production of vehicles with a shell partially made of wood lost their appeal in favor of those made entirely of metal, so Viotti developed its Giardinetta line differently, with new models. However, 1956 saw the unexpected and premature passing of its founder Vittorino Viotti, at just 55 years of age. The company’s management passed to his cousin, Francesco Viotti, who extended production to new models, adding some affordable sporty models to the Giardinetta line, based on mass-produced Fiat models: first the Coupé based on the 600, then the Gran Turismo 1100/1200. This was another excellent intuition, but an even better one was that of offering the small 600 with a more spacious chassis than the Coupé, guaranteeing comfort for four passengers without giving up the attractive lines designed by the Turin designer Giovanni Michelotti. Thus another milestone in the story of Carrozzeria Viotti was created: the Granluce. The name, which means “great light”, referred to the large windows and the unique “hugging” windscreen, that gave a forward visual angle that was much better than the average. The Granluce was the perfect formula for customers wanting a contemporary model that was economical but exclusive, sporty but comfortable and far better than the mass-produced Fiat it was based on.

This particular 1957 Fiat 600 Coupé Viotti is a matching numbers example that was discovered in Italy during 2012 by a major Fiat and Etceterinis Greek collector; found in an old repair shop, partly dismantled, obviously in anticipation to begin a restoration project.

It is believed that this car was part of the 4 cars being presented on Viotti’s stand at the 1957 Turin Motor Show. This is the reason why the car still bears a large Viotti logotype painted by stencil, behind the rear license plate area. The car was always kept under shelter.

When found was 99% complete, only few minor pieces were missing such as: side turning lights, front 600 badge, headlamp rims and few mechanical components all of which were found by the previous owner and accompanied the car. Since the car’s discovery all the necessary maintenance and preservation works were carried out, with the aim to keep the car in an in perfect running condition, ensuring that all systems and safety features are working perfectly. Safety was of prime concern, as well as chassis, engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, electrics, etc. All were cleaned, inspected and sympathetic remedial work was carried out. The upholstery was replaced by a skilled craftsman while the materials chosen were as near as possible to the original vinyl color and fabric pattern. The wheel rims were cleaned, straightened and the hubcaps re-chromed. Five new tires were fitted. The engine and the gearbox were completely rebuilt by a Fiat professional mechanic. The radiator was cleaned, painted and pressure tested. New hoses and a new fan housing were fitted. The carburetor was serviced and cleaned, the water and fuel pumps were replaced, new intake and exhaust valves were fitted, the transmission was checked and the axle couplings were replaced. Front and rear brake linings replaced and new hoses fitted. A New Old Stock silencer was fitted. The headlights were cleaned and fitted properly. Rear lights were restored. Starter and dynamo were serviced. All the wiring, indicators, buttons, etc were checked. The dashboard instruments were cleaned and all electric bulbs replaced. And finally, we have the car repainted and given the moldings and bumpers some new chrome.

A major research of this car’s history and the tracing of its previous owners was car-ried out by John de Boer for the Italian Car Registry. A thorough Dossier including photocopies of the original official documents as well as a complete photo album, accompanies the car.