1955 | FIAT 1100-103 TV

See the car live at the Classic Expo in Salzburg from October 18-20 at the Classic Trader booth in Hall 10.

Highlights:

Mille Miglia participant
Registro Mille Miglia
Entry ticket

Brand & Model History:
At the Paris Motor Show in October 1953, Fiat introduced a sporty version of the 103, the 1100 TV—which stands for Turismo Veloce, "Fast Touring". The TV was equipped with an improved engine (type 103.006) producing 48 hp (35 kW) at 5,400 rpm, compared to the regular version's 36 hp (26 kW), mainly due to dual-throat Weber carburetors and a higher compression ratio of 7.4:1 (up from 6.7:1). Later in 1954, the compression ratio was further increased to 7.6:1, and the power reached 50 hp. The top speed was 135 km/h (84 mph). Another notable mechanical difference was the two-part propeller shaft, instead of a single piece, to dampen torsional vibrations amplified by the increased engine power.

Top-of-the-line: 1100/103 TV
The TV body, built by Fiat's Carrozzerie Speciali, differed from the standard body with a larger, curved rear window and prominent tailfins, which housed differently shaped taillights. A distinctive feature of the TV was a single fog light embedded in the grille. Specific exterior trims included thicker chrome strips on the sides with "1100 TV" and "Fiat Carrozzerie Speciali" inscriptions, special hubcaps, and whitewall tires. The TV came standard with a two-tone paint scheme, where the roof and wheels were painted in a contrasting color. Inside, it offered a tortoiseshell-colored two-spoke steering wheel, two-tone fabric and vinyl upholstery, color-contrasted full carpeting, and optional reclining bucket seats (instead of the standard bench) until the end of 1954. The TV was appreciated by Fiat's sportier clientele, who used it in numerous races during this period; among its most prestigious victories were class wins at the 1954 and 1955 Mille Miglia and an overall victory at the trans-African rally from Cape Town to Algiers in 1954.

History & Condition:
This beautiful example of the Fiat MilleCento 1100 TV has successfully completed the grueling Mille Miglia several times since 2021. Each time, it overtook half of the field and finished without issues. The car is a ticket to the next Mille Miglia and other prestigious classic car events. A new set of limited-edition Vredestein Classic Sprint Mille Miglia tires is fitted. Additionally, the car is registered in the Registro Mille Miglia. Certification by the Registro: The registration procedure for the new edition of the Mille Miglia is a prerequisite for registration for the Mille Miglia.

Participants can only register with an existing certificate number; the transfer to the new owner is done easily through the Registro portal, and only then can registration for the annual edition of the Mille Miglia take place. Now is the right time to purchase a Mille vehicle, as registration for the Mille Miglia is only possible until early January.

This car was delivered in Italy on 05.02.1955 and registered for the first time. It changed ownership three times before arriving in Switzerland on 04.04.2018. In 2021, it was imported to Germany and registered there.

Market Position and Prices
The Fiat 1100 103 TV was a mid-range car with sporty ambitions. It offered a combination of comfort, moderate size, and performance, making it attractive to drivers looking for an affordable but sporty car. Compared to the standard models of the Fiat 1100 range, the TV was a more expensive but also more powerful variant.

On the market, it competed with similar models like the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Lancia Appia, Renault Dauphine, and Peugeot 203, which were also appealing to sporty drivers. Its performance and value for money made it a popular choice, although brands like Alfa Romeo were often more dominant in the sports car segment.

The price of the Fiat 1100 103 TV was higher than the standard models. In the 1950s, it cost about 1,400,000 to 1,500,000 Italian lire, which was considered moderate for a sporty car at the time. Today, prices for well-preserved or restored Fiat 1100 103 TV models can vary greatly depending on condition, rarity, and history. Fully restored cars with original parts are priced between €20,000 and €40,000 at auctions or in specialized markets, with particularly rare or well-preserved models fetching even higher prices. Vehicles with racing history or entry permissions are about 20% higher. The price trend has been rising in recent years, as cars from the 1950s, especially sporty models like the Fiat 1100 103 TV, are increasingly in demand among collectors.

Summary:
The Fiat 1100 103 TV, introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 1953, was a sporty version of the Fiat 103, equipped with an improved engine (48-50 hp) that offered higher performance and a top speed of 135 km/h. It featured a distinctive body with a larger rear window and a fog light in the grille. The TV was popular in motorsport, including the Mille Miglia.

This 1955 model has been successfully used in the Mille Miglia several times, is registered in the Registro Mille Miglia, and is ready for future races. Historically, it was a popular mid-range car with sporty ambitions. Prices for well-preserved models today range from €20,000 to €40,000, with an upward trend, especially for cars with a racing history.