As with many etceterini – coveted for their broad eligibility in 1000 Miglia-themed events – provenances and originality can be complicated to trace, which makes this Carrozzerie Speciali Fiat something that lives up to its body title of “special.” This Otto Vu can trace a simple, uncomplicated chain of ownership, leading to its survival today as a rarely found, highly original and well preserved car.

As new, chassis 000093 was born in the second series of factory, or Rapi-bodied, cars which feature distinctive secondary lower lights tapering inside the fender - a striking aesthetic that makes these cars immediately identifiable, and gives them an even more purposeful and sporting appearance.

Equipped with engine no. 000139, which it retains to this day, the Fiat was originally finished in Verde Metallizzata – a light metallic green similar to the popular Aston Martin hue, which is still evident in a few places in the engine bay, and trimmed in beige leather. To conjure the looks of its interior is as simple as inspecting it 71 years later, since it is that original interior which remains in the car.

When built, the rakish Berlinetta was registered in Torino with the license plate “TO165730.” Leaving the works on June 26, 1954, it was destined for the Fiat Dipartimento Esperience in Lingotto – the company’s own Experimental Works subsidiary, which featured a rooftop test track that was famously used in everything from magazine reports to the film The Italian Job. It is believed to have remained within the Lingotto department for three years, perhaps suggesting that it was used for testing or works competition, albeit this is not formally documented.

Its first private owner, listed on copies of period Foglio on file, was Giuseppe Vercellina, a local pharmacist in Torino who acquired the 8V on March 12, 1957. Six years later, he moved north to Cossato in the Piedmont area, registering it on (Vercelli) license plate “VC 84479,” which is still with the car.

The Foglio notes that after Sig. Vercellina’s death in 1971 the 8V passed to his three daughters. They subsequently sold the car to Lora Lamia Sergio and the consignor believes that around this time the Fiat was repainted in the current gray. Signora Sergio kept the car for two years before it became the property of Gibello Rosangela in Biella, the wife of Italian touring-car champion Claudio Maglioli, according to documentation on file.

The Speciali Berlinetta rested with Rosangela and Maglioli well into the late 1980s, only then being sold to Brinobet of Susegana, a Fiat/Alfa Romeo dealership in the Treviso region. At that point, the car was then considered a classic, and Angelo Brinobet began to participate in the reenactments of the 1000 Miglia, for which the car was a most suitable entry. He applied for FIVA Automotoclub Storico Italiano (ASI) documents, and the authority granted the car a Gold status, the highest level of originality. It would be decades before the car would leave Italian ownership for the first time, when it was acquired by the former owners in Belgium; however, it was not long before it returned to Italy and into the present owner’s hands. It would again campaign the 1000 Miglia in 2014 and 2015.

As evidenced from the car, its ASI and FIVA status was highly appropriate, for this is a charismatic, tremendously authentic and well preserved example. In the immediate postwar period in Italy, all of these cars were hand built, and detail features of 000093 stand out – from its “eyebrow” indicators on the tops of the fenders, to the lateral chrome trim along its sides, and the enclosed rear spats. Each aspect is well-thought-out, as practical features are blended into the design with a striking and appealing look. But it is the simply-appointed cabin, with its high-sided bucket seats still wearing their original leather, and details such as a handle for the navigator to hold on to, as well as its original carpets, that give the car such a rich and honest feel. With their singing V-8 engines and lively performance, these Fiat Series II Berlinettas have a unique character, and are the perfect entry for 1950s retrospective events - most popular of all being the 1000 Miglia, of which this is a prior participant. Rarely found in such fine condition, this Fiat 8V is highly recommended.

*Please note that the Italian certificate of ownership lists the VIN as 000093.