One to Buy: Briggs Cunningham's 1953 Fiat 8V Ghia Supersonic
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Launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1952, the 8V utilised Fiat’s new two-litre overhead valve all-alloy V8 that had originally been conceived for use in a large Berlina (Saloon).
The rakish light weight two-door platform boasted independent suspension all round and engines rated at between 105bhp and 125bhp. With its spritely performance, the 8V went on to record an enviable competition record that included a succession of Italian GT Championship titles.
Each 8V was bodied by the customer’s coachbuilder of choice with Fiat’s special in-house department clothing around a third of the production run. Unfortunately though, with just 114 made by the time production ended in 1954, the 8V was a commercial flop for Italy’s biggest car manufacturer.
14 8Vs were dispatched to Carrozzeria Ghia where they were equipped with the Turin firm’s Supersonic design created by stylist Giovanni Savonuzzi,
One of these, chassis 043, will be going under the hammer at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction taking place between August 17th and 19th.
This particular example was part of a two-car order placed by New York dealer Howard Darrin during the summer of 1953. Darrin received his pair of Supersonics that December; chassis 39 was sold to Hollywood actress Lana Turner while 043 went to American industrialist and sportsman, Briggs Cunningham.
Subject to a restoration completed by marque experts in 2014, chassis 043 is presented in exceptional condition throughout.
