1950 Fiat 1400

The Fiat 1400 was manufactured between 1950 and 1958. It was introduced at the 1950 Geneva Motor Show. This model was Fiat’s first post-war offering and featured a monocoque body. Two models, the 1400 and 1900, were built on the same chassis but equipped with different engines. The trim levels of the two models varied significantly, with the 1900 being more luxurious and serving as the flagship of the Fiat range. In 1953, Fiat introduced its first diesel engine in this model. Though it was a 1900 cc engine, the car was marketed as the 1400 Diesel instead of the flagship model. Fiat offered the car in several body styles, including a 4-door saloon, a 2-door cabriolet, and a 2-door hardtop coupe. The Fiat 1400 was powered by a 1,395 cc inline four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, which featured two overhead valves per cylinder and produced 50 hp at 4,600 rpm. It generated 85 N-m of torque at 3,400 rpm, with a notable output of 75 N-m at around 1,550 rpm. The power was transmitted to the rear wheels through a 4-speed manual gearbox. The engine enabled the 1,490 kg car to reach a maximum speed of 125 km/h. With dimensions considered large for European standards, the car measured 4,305 mm in length, 1,655 mm in width, and 1,550 mm in height. It was also manufactured under license by SEAT in Spain and Zastava in Yugoslavia.

The FIAT 1400 chassis no. 015781 was delivered to the dealership S.V.A. (Società Vendita Automobili) in Rome December 13, 1950, a large Fiat dealership. It was sold January 5, 1951 to Dr. Ottorino Monaco at the price of Lire 1.275.000, registered with the license plate 143245 Rome. The car was entrusted to the hands of Gino De Sanctis who elaborated it with the specific Abarth kit (collector for two Weber 32 carburetors, silencer and tappet cover), by adding a more potent water pump, oil pan and an uprated special camshaft and prepared it for racing, following the rules of the "Categoria Turismo Internazionale 1500 cc". Monaco started racing his car in early in 1951 at the Rallye del Sestrière in February. The FIAT 1400 chassis no. 015781 had an intense racing life in the first years, it was the first Fiat 1400 to cross the finish line at the 1951 Mille Miglia and conquered the title of champion in class for the 1952 year. Third in class in 1953 then, due to new rules, had to struggle with more powerful cars. It was sold to the famed Eng. Eraldo Sculati, reknown automotive journalist but, most of all, Sporting Director of the Scuderia Ferrari in 1956-1957 winning a world title with Fangio. The 1400 was his personal car. Then, owned by Mr. Aldini rental and used for some years as a commuter by the Scuderia Ferrari, was later neglected for a long time. Found in 2013, underwent a complete restoration.