1938 Ogna Fiat 750 Giannini

The one-off 1938 Ogna Fiat 750 Giannini (Domenico Ogna), chassis no. 035785 is a car with multiple lives. The diversity and ingenuity of the post war “Etceterinis” is a fascinating subject. Mostly based on affordable Fiat technology, dozens of sports cars were constructed by Italians with a passion for motorsport. This barchetta was assembled, around 1946, and raced by Domenico Ogna; it is a perfect example of such an Etceterini. The basis is a 1938 Fiat Topolino “A” chassis whose engine was tuned by Giannini to compete in the 750 class. The streamlined aluminum siluro body is sustained by a tubular subframe. Initially fitted with cycle wings, it was later replaced in the early fifties (around 1951-1952) by fixed wings attached to the body, due to new racing rules. If the wings were now visually connected and flowing from the lines of the central body in a single shape, they were still physically separated, and were riveted to the central body, with a technique derived from aeronautics. Finally, in 1954 a complete new barchetta style body was modelled, with truly integrated mudguards. This new (and last) shape closely resembles that of the, even then, iconic Ferrari 166 millemiglia, designed by Touring: same proportions on a smaller scale, same shapes and details, including the groove between grille and headlights. A curious detail is the massive “American-taste” chrome grille, which was a typical aesthetic accessory fitted on the Fiat Topolino of the time. Domenico Ogna drove his sports-competition car in a record number of five Mille Miglia editions. The car raced the 1948 edition with #1038 entry number, ranking 61st overall - 8th in class; the 1949 edition with #237 entry number, ranking 165th overall - 14th in class; in the 1950 edition with #325 entry number, but the car did not finish; the 1952 edition with #2345 entry number, ranking 220th overall - 9th in class; in the 1954 edition with same #2345 entry number, but the car did not finish. At the wheel, there was always the owner-builder Domenico Ogna. Co-driver in 1948 and 1952 was Cesare Ogna; in 1949, Guido Zerneri; in 1950, Gianfranco Calini; in 1954, Enrico Ogna. Domenico Ogna also faced the 1949 Circuito del Garda, ranking 11th overall and the 1950 Corsa sulle Torricelle, ranking 9th overall. In recent times the car was found located in a derelict but still original condition. The owner had initiated a restoration which stranded when car was dismantled. Only the Giannini prepared Fiat 750 engine had been completely overhauled. The car was recently subjected to a thorough restoration, respecting the last body shape brought to the race and in which it remained.