Fantasy Junction

Description

1957 Fiat Millecento 103E Belvedere (auction ends Sunday January 15th, 2023)

VIN – 350937
Exterior Color – Two-Tone Light Blue and White
Interior Color – Light Blue and Grey
Engine – 1,100cc Inline Four Cylinder
Transmission – Column mounted 4-speed manual
Current Kilometers – 17,003 kilometers (TMU)

Highlights of this Car

-Original finishes on a rare (one year only) 103E Belvedere 5-door

-2013 Turismo Veloce upgrade with 36DIM Weber and TV intake manifold

-Mostly original exterior paint and original unrestored interior

-Original Italian Libretto, Autovetture, and original Italian owner’s manual included

General Overview

Built from 1953 – 1969 the Fiat Millecento was a delightful compact family car with an impressive engineering background and durable mechanicals. Using unibody design and lightweight construction, Fiat offered models spanning a wide range of use including the Familiare which featured seating for four and a side-hinged rear cargo door. By 1957 the higher-level trim “Belvedere” model was offered in the 5 door Estate configuration, which would last only for the 1957 model year. Additional models included a TV (Turismo Veloce) model which boasted a Weber carburetor, higher compression, and a special intake manifold. Generally used up as family or utility vehicles and discarded as technology advanced, it is rare to find original examples of these cars in any configuration let alone in the desirable and rarely seen 5-door Belvedere Estate package.

History and Build of This Car

This 1957 Fiat 1100 Belvedere must be counted as one of the best surviving examples of this rare model. Previously shown at the “The Quail” 2013 concours and included in the “Tribute to the California Mille” class, the former owner was an avid Lancia collector who purchased the car out of Italy in 2007, where the car had remained since originally delivered to the first owner. It has also been previously featured in a six-page article in Ruote Classiche magazine, a copy of which is included with the car.

In 2013 the car was updated to Turismo Veloce (TV) specifications. The upgrade includes correct TV OEM parts, a 36DIM Weber carburetor, and an original TV intake manifold. The previous owner, Tommaso Gelmini in Soragna, Italy, a well-known race car driver and restorer, used this car as a support vehicle for various historic rallies while under his care and ownership.

In 2015, the car was offered for sale on BringaTrailer. The car was sold to the current owner in 2015. Over the past seven years the owner put less than 100 miles on the car, making no significant changes to the remarkable original condition while maintaining the car as part of his personal vintage car collection.

Condition Overview

Today this rare Fiat presents in sound mechanical condition combined with very good cosmetics which, when regarded for the originality and preservation, result in a highly authentic and attractive example. The generally handsome cosmetics include factory applied light blue paint which has honest patina over all surfaces including a repainted front fender, an area that appears to be the only non-original exterior painted surface. The chrome finishes appear to be original to the car including the distinctive centrally located foglamp, nestled inside the grille. The painted steel wheels are finished to match the roof color, featuring original polished hubcaps. Overall, the visual condition is ideal for local events, club gatherings, enjoyable driving, and vintage rallies. The interior appears to be very well-maintained reflecting original finishes throughout, correct two tone materials, and a beautiful dashboard with column-mounted four-speed shifter and wonderful vintage touches spanning the clean dashboard layout. The engine and engine compartment boast several preserved finishes and original details including the cylindrical air cleaner, aluminum valve cover, and other remarkably original accessories mounted to the firewall. The underside is representative of a clean, dry car with no evidence of structural compromise to the unibody or main suspension mounting points.

The car drives quite nicely with confident road manners and easy shifting. The added power from the TV upgraded engine, featuring a dual-throat Weber carburetor, makes this handsome touring package a vintage delight especially for those who enjoy originality and preservation as part of their driving experience.

Operational features include easy warm or cold starts, smooth idle, braking consistent with the period, and surprisingly nimble handling. The original Securit glass, side-hinged rear cargo door, distinctive chrome body molding, and throaty exhaust all add up to a delightful driving experience.

Items Included with the Car

The car is accompanied by an original Fiat jack, battery hold down and terminal clamps, a “The Quail” participation plaque, a copy of the Ruote Classiche magazine featuring an article on the car, two owner’s manuals, and the original Italian owner’s book with registration stamps verifying original long-term Italian ownership.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608