To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' The
Elkhart Collection event, 23 - 24 October 2020.
Estimate:
$1,750,000 - $2,200,000
- Originally delivered to famed General Motors designer Henry S.
Lauve
- One of only 15 Ghia Supersonics on the 8V chassis
- Beautiful and well-maintained older restoration
- A landmark in Jet Age automotive design
"THE BIGGEST SURPRISE OF THE YEAR"
Fiat's most legendary, significant, and storied production model,
the 8V, was aptly described by Road & Track in 1952 as being "the
biggest surprise of the year." Although Fiat traces its roots to
1899 and built competition cars both massive and magnificent in the
early twentieth century, after World War II the company was known
largely for its mass-produced automobiles for the common man, such
cars like the tiny "Topolino" that put a nation on wheels and had
become among the most popular in Europe.
Therefore, it came as a shock to the automotive world when Fiat
suddenly introduced a powerful sports car with an advanced
overhead-valve light alloy V-8 engine, Siata-fabricated chassis,
and four-wheel independent suspension, which could be and was
successfully raced by privateers all over the world.
Like most sophisticated chassis of the time, the 8V lent itself
handsomely to custom coachwork, which Fiat encouraged. Carrozzeria
Ghia of Torino accounted for approximately 30 to 40 of the 114 8V
chassis built, of which the most striking were the 15 bodied to
Giovanni Savonuzzi's stunning Jet Age design, known, simply and
appropriately as the "Supersonic."
The Supersonic design had originally been proposed for an Alfa
Romeo racing car, which Savonuzzi gave a steeply raked, long
windshield; a curved nose that formed a straight-through beltline,
ending at small tail fins flaring off lights intended to resemble
jet afterburners; and a low, glassy greenhouse.
Similar styling on an 8V chassis was subsequently ordered by
American designer Paul Farago, and 14 more examples followed, all
of which had detail differences but remained largely true to
Savonuzzi's original and dramatic design. They are considered the
most sought-after and desirable 8Vs, as they boast the best
combination of avant-garde design from the Jet Age. Even today they
are stunningly modern and dramatic and turn heads wherever they go.
Few cars are so capable of stopping concours crowds in their
tracks.
THE LAUVE SUPERSONIC
General Motors designer Henry de Segur Lauve, a concept artist
behind the original Corvette prototype and other significant cars,
attended the Supersonic design's official debut at the 1953 Paris
Auto Show. Mr. Lauve was struck by the styling of the new model and
placed an order for his own, which, finished in white with a blue
interior, was shipped from the Genoa docks aboard SS Constitution.
Typical of the 8Vs, the car featured exquisite hardware throughout,
including the interior with an elaborate Ghia-badged speedometer
behind the wood-rimmed steering wheel.
Mr. Lauve contacted Fiat roughly a year later, complaining about
difficulties with the engine of his car in everyday use. He
received a rather amusing response from the Italian automaker,
reproduced in Tony Adriaensens's book Otto Vu, noting their
surprise that he had tried to use the car as a "daily driver," as
it was intended for use by wealthy amateur racing drivers!
Nonetheless, Fiat agreed to supply a new engine, no. 000188, and
its ancillary components, on the condition that Mr. Lauve return
the original engine, no. 000039. Interestingly, that engine was
never returned to Fiat and was subsequently fitted to another 8V
Supersonic. At some point before the new engine was installed, Mr.
Lauve ran the car with a Chevrolet 283 V-8 under the hood, as
remembered by his fellow GM designer Robert Cumberford, who enjoyed
many memorable high-speed rides in it through the Detroit suburbs.
During this time, the treatment of the car's flanks was
appropriated for the new 1958 Chevrolet, reflecting the attention
paid by Mr. Lauve and his fellow designers.
Apparently the 8V Supersonic, with whatever power plant, pleased
Mr. Lauve, as he and his family maintained it faithfully longer
than almost any other original 8V owner. During their tenure it was
refinished in silver, as featured in Otto Vu. It was finally sold
by the Lauves in 1991 and was later owned in 1994 by Eric Nielsen
of California. The car was subsequently restored in this rich
garnet-over-tan combination, with a correct 8V engine, no. 000060,
tucked under the hood. The work was beautifully detailed, with the
color showing off the elaborate curves of the body and fabulous
touches such as smoked glass sun visors and Borrani chrome wire
wheels.
Following long-term ownership in a prominent Swiss collection, the
car was acquired for the current collection and has remained well
maintained since, alongside two other superlative 8Vs. It would
certainly be suitable for either enjoying on vintage rallies, such
as the California Mille, Colorado Grand, or even the Mille Miglia,
but could also be lightly freshened for happy exhibition at further
shows and concours.
Few Supersonics have such a well-known, colorful, and fascinating
history as the Henry Lauve car-preserved and maintained by a
legendary Detroit designer, a man who appreciated the exquisite and
advanced styling when he saw it. It is among the greatest treasures
of this collection.To view this car and others currently consigned
to this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/el20.