Edited original text with permission from Phil Ward, AutoItalia magazine
A superb 1962 Fiat 750 Vignale Coupe.
UK road registered 277UYW
Registered as Historic Vehicle so TAX and MOT exempt
This 1962 750 Vignale, was a one owner car in rust free condition with just 37,000km on the clock and is the only 750 Vignale coupe registered in the UK so is very rare and desirable. It is believed this model was a very low production car and was possibly hand built as a motor show car. Being based on the Fiat 600D, most regular servicing parts, both original and reproduction, are easily available.
The car was purchased in Italy in a very good condition apart from the paintwork that had badly crazed after over 55 years in the hot Italian sun. The Vignale was left in the workshop of Berni Motori in Lodi near Piacenza, Italy. Berni Motori are well know Abarth experts and they bare metal restored the car to the excellent state it is in now in its original colour. There was no bodywork damage. All chrome work was redone and the interior apart from a new driver’s seat squab, was in as seen original condition. The electrical loomb was professionally renewed with bayonet fuses for safety.
Although low mileage, the original 29bhp, 767cc 600D engine (included in the sale) was set aside and a brand new, still in the crate, 1050cc, 70bhp, Autobianchi A112 Abarth was located and fitted. A brand new A112 Webber 32/34 carburettor and Marelli alternator were installed and new Abarth parts included an alloy Carter two-piece sump, uprated drive shafts, a new old stock Abarth Marmite silencer, a radiator with an electric fan, an Abarth belt driven short water pump and a front mounted radiator. Stopping power has been sensibly uprated with front discs and steel rear drums (original parts are included in the sale). At first glance you wouldn’t notice the mechanical improvements, which have all been tastefully implemented without compromising the car’s appearance.
One really obvious improvement is the set of period Borrani aluminium wires including the spare (current cost £2500 each). They were an option, albeit an expensive one, on many coachbuilt cars in period. The front suspension has an Abarth transverse leaf spring that allows the car to sit parallel, and well planted to the road without the nose up pigeon-toed attitude of most rear engined Fiats. The 155/80 x 13 Micheline tyres are just right, filling the wheel arches perfectly.
Although in excellent condition, the steel bodywork was stripped back to bare metal and repainted the original ivory white colour. It has to be said that the panel fit on this car is superb and the doors close with ease and precision. While Vignale downsized its Maserati 3500 GT design for the 750, note the sidelight and rear wing shapes, it maintained the excellent build quality. Retro style wings mirrors have been fitted and the alloy headlight bezels, that usually fall off, are steel replacements. Apparently the 5-inch light units don’t offer much in the way of night time illumination, the rear lights have the same part number as the Ferrari 250 rear lights. Finally, the bumpers were rechromed and the electrical system was completely rewired.
Remarkably the blue interior is original, although the seat squabs have been revitalised. The steering wheel and instruments are also original. Including the period St Christopher horn push. Sensibly the tachometer has been modernised internally for improved accuracy.
Driving impressions
With barely 100 miles on a brand new engine the test drive was going to be considerate and brief. The interior is spacious and comfortable. There is lots of glass area, which combined with thin roof pillars gives great all round visibility. The rear seats are marginal for use by anyone other than children but the seat back does fold down to provide some loading space that extends under the window to the rear of the car. The whole car feels very well bolted together and is devoid of rattles and squeaks.
The Abarth A112 engine is known for its torque and there is a satisfying pressure on the seat back during acceleration. The longer Fiat 850 diff ratio keeps the revs down and the car can be driven within the broad power band without it feeling busy. Given the ‘Abarthised’ specification, this coachbuilt classic will no doubt show a clean pair of heels to some much larger machinery, and with 70bhp and just 604kg it will be a great performer.
Carrozzeria Vignale of Turin was founded in 1948 by Alfredo Vignale, it would become one of the most iconic and respected of the Italian coachbuilders. Vignale designed cars, most often low volume variants of main production cars from manufacturers such as Ferrari, Lancia and Maserati.
This car has won concourse events and has been featured in Magazines.
Feature car AutoItalia magazine
Featured in GRRC Newsletter
Winner Banburugh Castle Concourse
Winner Classics at the Villa concourse
Best in class Classics at the Villa concourse
Runner-up Luton Festival of Transport show
30th London to Brighton Classic Car Run
