1953 Fiat 1100/103
Chassis no.
103*006663*
Engine no.
*006730*
Coachbuilder
Fiat
Beacon
ON/OFF
ON/OFF
An "everyday" 1100/103 for the races. Owned by Margherita Asburgo-Lorena of noble family. It raced the 1955 Mille Miglia. Restored in its original racing livery.
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Many cars are loved for one reason or another. Some recall precise aspects of our history. Few, like the Fiat 1100 tell so many stories of Italy from the late 30s to the late 60s. The 1100 was the “child” of the Fiat 508C, the New Balilla 1100, and it quickly acquired the nickname "musone" for its imposing front grille. It underwent many evolutions to arrive in 1953 with the “birth” of the 1100/103. A totally new car, equipped with a monocoque chassis. It was on this that the designers, in the electrifying years of the “boom”, went wild in designing sports and elegant models. Pinin Farina being among the finest. The Fiat 1100/103 was introduced in 1953; compared to the 1100 E it had a modern 4-door sedan body with integrated mudguards and front lights. Technically, apart from the transition to the monocoque solution, it was a classic design: rear-wheel drive, independent front, rear live axle and drum brakes. The name of the new model (1100/103) came from its project number. The model, despite being a family car, was immediately successful with sportsmen; even Enzo Ferrari complimented it. In October 1953, the car became available in an openly sports version, the 1100 TV (Turismo Veloce). In 1956, a restyling involved all 1100/103s, giving birth to the 103 E series.
The 1100/103 with chassis no. 103*006663* began its story in 1953 with an important owner: Margherita Asburgo-Lorena. She was archduchess of Austria, princess of Bohemia, Hungary, and Tuscany. She was the third child of Leopoldo Salvatore Asburgo-Lorena, and his wife, the Infanta Bianca of Borbone-Spagna. Later, when the car is owned by Margherita Castracane, who bought it through the special proxy of Alfonso d'Aquino (Consul of Italy in Madrid), the car begins a sporting career. In fact, it took part in the XXII Mille Miglia in 1955 with the crew Paolo Taliani – Francesco De Angelis, but without success. A few days later it takes part in the XXV Criterium di Roma, where it has better luck, finishing 7th in class. The history of the following owners is traced. After undergoing a complete restoration, the car embarked on a career in re-enactment races, including the Mille Miglia.
