1935 Fiat Other

The Fiat Viotti was built just before World War II by one of Italy’s most successful coachbuilders, Carrozzeria Viotti, using a Fiat chassis and drivetrain. Seven cabriolets, all very similar, but with minimal differences, were manufactured. This car was supposedly purchased by an American officer stationed in Rome at the end of the war and had earlier been used by a member of the former Fascist regime. The American officer used the car daily throughout his deployment in Europe. The car was then shipped back to the States, where it resided in the South, which is why the body is well preserved. Along the way, it lost the original drivetrain and was upgraded to the earlier 1960’s Fiat 2300 motor. No modifications seem to have been made to the chassis. I purchased it a few years ago, along with a donor car, a Fiat Berlina. I was fortunate enough to find an original complete sedan that contains gauges, steering wheel, front grille, engine and transmission, seats, wheels, etc. that will be used for the cabriolet. The Berlina is very solid, having been in New Mexico. I understand from the former owner that a restored Viotti Cabriolet (sister to this one) changed hands at an auction in Europe for a considerable amount of money. These cars in their time were quite innovative and rich of interesting details. This one certainly deserves the attention and the restoration effort, for its rarity and historical importance. I am including many pictures of all that I have with the cabriolet, as well as some pictures of the companion Fiat Berlina.