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TODAY WE FEATURE
BONHAMS AUCTIONS
THE PADUA AUCTION
SATURDAY 28th OCTOBER 2017
PADUA, ITALY
.1947 FIAT 1100-A CABRIOLET
TODAY WE FEATURE
BONHAMS AUCTIONS
THE PADUA AUCTION
SATURDAY 28th OCTOBER 2017
PADUA, ITALY
.1947 FIAT 1100-A CABRIOLET
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Boneschi
Chassis no. 261989
* Bodied by one of Italy's foremost coachbuilders
* The sole remaining example
* Matching numbers
* Registered in Germany
The work of Carrozzeria Boneschi of Milan, the car offered here is typical of the many special-bodied FIATs produced by Italy's independent coachbuilders after WW2. Company founder Giovanni Boneschi had learned his craft at Carrozzeria Castagna, then one of Italy's leading coachbuilders. Following the favourable reception was given to one of his bodies on a Rolls-Royce chassis, Giovanni secured the contract to supply Lancia with closed bodies for the Lambda, commencing what would be an enduring association with Italy's pioneering motor manufacturer. SA Boneschi was set up in 1923, and the following year the fledgeling firm secured the contract to supply bodies to its close neighbour, Citroën Italiana. The firm continued to supply Lancia with bodies, as well as bodying FIATs, Alfa Romeos, and other makes, right up to the start of WW2, by which time Boneschi's innovative and tasteful designs had established it as the equal of Pinin Farina and Touring.
Turned over to military production, the Boneschi factory was severely damaged in Allied air raids in 1943, necessitating its reconstruction on a new site in 1945. Sadly, Giovanni Boneschi died of a heart attack in November 1946 and would not live to see his company's post-war resurgence. New models were introduced on the Lancia Aprilia platform and on the FIAT 1100 chassis, while there were also some notable bespoke creations on quality chassis from Isotta Fraschini and Alfa Romeo. At the same time, Boneschi began to develop new lines of business, manufacturing commercial vehicles and special-bodied cars for advertising and promotional purposes. Military vehicles had been added to its portfolio by the early 1980s. Still in existence today as part of the Savio Group, Boneschi builds ambulances, armoured vehicles, and mobile clinics, and also converts cars for use by disabled drivers.
The history of this rare and unusual Boneschi-bodied FIAT 1100-A is known from January 1960 onwards. Its owner for the last three years, the current vendor is a trained engineer and has enthusiastically kept the car well maintained. Regularly serviced and 'on the button', it has also been sensibly upgraded with an electric fuel pump and hazard warning lights.
The Boneschi was repainted in Italy circa 1990, though the precise date is not known, and is finished in green while retaining its original red leather interior. In this year's Schloss Schwetzingen Concours d'Élégance the car received a 3rd place award in the 'Kleines Garagen-Gold' category.
Offered with an old Italian libretto, German Fahrzeugbrief, and TüV to August 2018 (and registered with ASI certificate number 'A4940') it represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of these unusual coachbuilt soft-tops. It should be noted this is the sole remaining example, confirmed verbally by previous Italian owners as well as extensive research by the current vendor.
Chassis no. 261989
* Bodied by one of Italy's foremost coachbuilders
* The sole remaining example
* Matching numbers
* Registered in Germany
The work of Carrozzeria Boneschi of Milan, the car offered here is typical of the many special-bodied FIATs produced by Italy's independent coachbuilders after WW2. Company founder Giovanni Boneschi had learned his craft at Carrozzeria Castagna, then one of Italy's leading coachbuilders. Following the favourable reception was given to one of his bodies on a Rolls-Royce chassis, Giovanni secured the contract to supply Lancia with closed bodies for the Lambda, commencing what would be an enduring association with Italy's pioneering motor manufacturer. SA Boneschi was set up in 1923, and the following year the fledgeling firm secured the contract to supply bodies to its close neighbour, Citroën Italiana. The firm continued to supply Lancia with bodies, as well as bodying FIATs, Alfa Romeos, and other makes, right up to the start of WW2, by which time Boneschi's innovative and tasteful designs had established it as the equal of Pinin Farina and Touring.
Turned over to military production, the Boneschi factory was severely damaged in Allied air raids in 1943, necessitating its reconstruction on a new site in 1945. Sadly, Giovanni Boneschi died of a heart attack in November 1946 and would not live to see his company's post-war resurgence. New models were introduced on the Lancia Aprilia platform and on the FIAT 1100 chassis, while there were also some notable bespoke creations on quality chassis from Isotta Fraschini and Alfa Romeo. At the same time, Boneschi began to develop new lines of business, manufacturing commercial vehicles and special-bodied cars for advertising and promotional purposes. Military vehicles had been added to its portfolio by the early 1980s. Still in existence today as part of the Savio Group, Boneschi builds ambulances, armoured vehicles, and mobile clinics, and also converts cars for use by disabled drivers.
The history of this rare and unusual Boneschi-bodied FIAT 1100-A is known from January 1960 onwards. Its owner for the last three years, the current vendor is a trained engineer and has enthusiastically kept the car well maintained. Regularly serviced and 'on the button', it has also been sensibly upgraded with an electric fuel pump and hazard warning lights.
The Boneschi was repainted in Italy circa 1990, though the precise date is not known, and is finished in green while retaining its original red leather interior. In this year's Schloss Schwetzingen Concours d'Élégance the car received a 3rd place award in the 'Kleines Garagen-Gold' category.
Offered with an old Italian libretto, German Fahrzeugbrief, and TüV to August 2018 (and registered with ASI certificate number 'A4940') it represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of these unusual coachbuilt soft-tops. It should be noted this is the sole remaining example, confirmed verbally by previous Italian owners as well as extensive research by the current vendor.
MORE PHOTOS & ORIGINAL SOURCE -
http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24625/lot/59/?category=list&length=100&page=1
SELECTED BY - CLASSIC CHATTER
KEEPING IT CLASSIC
2010-2017
http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24625/lot/59/?category=list&length=100&page=1
SELECTED BY - CLASSIC CHATTER
KEEPING IT CLASSIC
2010-2017
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