Million Dollar Fiat: 1953 Zagato Fiat 8V Elaborata

Fiat's first, and only, V8 engine debuted at the 1952 Geneva Auto Show powering a sleek two-seater intended to dominate Ferrari, Maserati and Lancia in two-liter sports-car racing.

The car was designated the 8V, or Otto Vu in Italian, because Fiat had mistakenly thought that Ford held a trademark on V8.

Fiat's legendary design engineer Dante Giacosa mounted the upper portions of a pair of 70-degree V4 engines on a single crankcase to make the 1996-cc, OHV V8. Topped with a pair of twin-choke Weber 36 DCZ3 carburetors, the tiny eight put out 110 hp at 6,000 rpm.

A four-speed, nonsynchro first-gear, manual transmission sent power to the rear wheels via a differential that was the only part shared with other Fiats. Other features included worm-and-roller steering, four-wheel independent suspension and four-wheel drum brakes.

For homologation purposes, Fiat intended to build 200 8Vs, but only 114 chassis were produced from 1952 to 1954. To rev up interest, Fiat sent chassis to various coachbuilders, including Carrozzeria Zagato, famed for its stunning lightweight-bodied Fiats. Zagato took delivery of 32 8V chassis; including five with Fiat-design bodywork that were destined to become the most famous and collectible.

Called Elaboratas because Zagato “elaborated” on what was done by Fiat, they distinguished themselves in racing competition and by being the first cars to bear the iconic Zagato double-bubble roof, intended to add rigidity and also allow headroom for racing helmets.

The Elaborata we drove bears chassis No. 106.000022. Despite having the earliest number, it was the third 8V to be customized by Zagato. Although the Elaboratas were distinguished by lowered rooflines bearing the double-bubble and single headlamps, no two are exactly alike.

No. 0022 was sold new in April 1953 and then turned over to Zagato. Its race history includes being driven by Anna Maria Peduzzi, one of Italy's most successful female racers.

The car's owner acquired the car in 1998, had it restored to its original Zagato green, and installed a five-speed Alfa Romeo gearbox for use in classic-car rallies. The car has also been shown at Pebble Beach.

Entry requires yogalike flexibility for taller drivers, but once inside, legroom is generous and the pedals well spaced.

The green-painted dash presents a classic array of toggle switches and knobs. An oval-shaped instrument panel is dominated by a speedometer and tach that read upward in opposing directions.

A slight pull of the knob that activates the fuel pumps, followed by an equally gentle twist of the ignition key brings the V8 to life. Ease on the throttle for a slow but smooth getaway, then add force as power builds from 3,000 to 6,000 rpm.

The steering feels vague on-center but, as the independent rear suspension plants itself in the corners, becomes very communicative to maintain handling balance. The drum brakes, like the suspension, quickly build your confidence. Exotic but no diva, the Elaborata is a well-mannered “momentum” machine that loves to charge through corners with the revs up.

The car is expected to draw more than $1 million at the Gooding & Co. Pebble Beach auction Aug. 20-21.

By Patrick C. Paternie