Vehicle Description
Fiat's mid-sized 1100/103, dubbed Nuova 1100, debuted in 1953 as a
thoroughly modern replacement for the 1100E, which itself had roots
dating back to the pre-war Balilla. The Nuova 1100 was built on a
new monocoque platform with a fully enveloped "ponton" body style.
The Fiat was an attractive car in its own right, but Italians being
Italians, many coachbuilders felt there was room for improvement
and quickly began reinterpreting the design. Coachbuilding in much
of the world was rapidly disappearing in the early 1950s, but in
Italy it was enjoying a remarkable renaissance. As such, most of
the major Italian coachbuilders introduced their own versions of
the Fiat Nuova 1100 at the 1953 Salone di Torino, and Carrozzeria
Allemano was among them, armed with both a cabriolet and coupe
designed by the great Giovanni Michelotti. Michelotti's design was
the subject of much appreciation at the show, with Auto Italiana
writing "Finally the two magnificent ... versions of an original
and beautiful 2-seater based on Fiat's �New 1100' with a very
personalized front and lines styled by Michelotti." In a review of
the most important styling themes seen at the show, the Michelotti
Nuova 1100 Allemano models were repeatedly featured and highlighted
due to their distinctive design. One reporter also noted that they
were priced at "a very tempting 1,800,000 Lire" or about $2,880
USD. The design was certainly elegant, very clean and unfussy in
the signature style preferred by Michelotti and his carrozzeria
boss Serafino Allemano. Perhaps the most notable feature of the
body is the distinctive split grille that tapers to an aggressive
point in the center. Some seven years before the Ferrari 156 F1 car
and the 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Bertone coupe that was inspired by
it, Michelotti had drawn his own �shark nose' for this handsome
little Fiat. These special Allemano Fiats were produced in a very
small series through 1953 before being succeeded by a different
Michelotti design in 1954. Research done to date has found a scant
two coupes and four cabriolets originally produced, with only one
coupe and two cabriolets known to exist today. This example,
chassis number 019195, was built in the fall of 1953 and received
its Statement of Conformity on December 31, 1953. The first owner,
Augusto Scalese, paid a stout 2,511,000L (or $4,016, about the same
as a Cadillac Series 62!) and the car was registered on September
5, 1954 with the registration number NA 86282, a plate which it
still wears to this day. The Allemano cabriolet remained in
Scalese's extended family for the next 5 decades, passed down
through the hands of his son-in-law Fabio DeClescensio and daughter
Lucia Marta until November 2010, when she sold the car to Paolo
Marcheghiani of Bari, Italy from whom the most recent owner
purchased the car. Prior to restoration it was discovered that some
slight modifications to the bodywork were made in the late 1950s to
meet the �nuova codice stradale', the most important component of
which dictated rear lights with separate amber lenses. As was
common in the time, 1959 production Fiat 1100 rear light units were
used. In order to accommodate the larger lights, the rear fender
line was modified and once fitted, a new bumper was made and
fitted. A light restoration in the early 1980s saw the Fiat
finished in an ivory color with a black canvas top and red vinyl
interior. The original wheel covers were also replaced at this
time, and for unknown reasons, a number of pieces of original
badging were left off the car. Since then, a thoroughly researched
and meticulously executed restoration has brought this historic
design back to its original and correct form, specifically through
re-creating the rear fender line and the correct tail lights as
designed by Michelotti in 1953. The side fender and trunk lid
badging as seen on the car when delivered were re-created and
returned to be fitted in the exact place as shown by the holes
uncovered in the original panels when the car was stripped for
restoration. The original style wheel covers were painstakingly
re-created from new to finish the appearance. During the
restoration preparation, the original color of the body, Azzurro
metallizzato, was found and a remaining fragment of the correct
original Bordeaux vinyl trim has been matched for the upholstery,
returning this fabulous design back to the condition it was when
Augusto Scalese first took delivery of his very special Fiat.
Today, the Fiat Allemano presents in striking condition, with the
impeccable restoration remaining in beautiful order. Even before
the restoration was completed, this very special automobile was
invited to be shown at the 2016 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in
a special class of custom-bodied Fiats. From the 1100 c.c. engine
to the luxuriously trimmed cabin to the detailed boot, it presents
in jewel-like condition throughout. A rare and inspired design of
Michelotti, this Nuova 1100 Allemano Cabriolet has international
appeal and historical importance, and would be a welcome sight on
virtually any concours field or tour in the world.