Brescia, 1949. Early morning, crowded streets, race numbers on the doors, and hundreds of cars getting ready for one of Europe’s toughest races. Amid the big Alfa Romeos, Ferraris, and other sports cars, a small Fiat is also standing by. Not the biggest engine. Not the most power. But light, streamlined, and built with just one goal in mind: to race through Italy as fast as possible. And this Fiat was there. This 1947 1100 S verifiably competed in the 1949 Mille Miglia. That gives it something you simply can’t add to a car after the fact: genuine period race history. Since then, it has returned to the event many more times. In total, this Fiat has now completed the Mille Miglia twelve times. That makes its nickname practically a given. This is the Mille Miglia veteran. Fiat developed the 1100 S shortly after World War II as a much sportier interpretation of the standard 1100. Dante Giacosa designed a compact coupé in which aerodynamics played a key role. The low body, covered rear wheels, and distinctive front end weren’t just styling elements; everything was designed with speed and efficiency in mind. At a time when 60 pk was already quite impressive, a lightweight car like this could go surprisingly fast. This 1100 has been extensively restored and completely rebuilt mechanically. Great attention was paid to the details, so that the end result is impressive not only when you stand next to it, but also when you’re driving it. The engine delivers approximately 60 pk, giving this little Fiat exactly the lively character you’d expect from a classic Italian sports car. It’s in exceptionally well-maintained condition. The body, interior, finish, and technical details clearly show just how much attention was paid to the car during the restoration. It’s the kind of car where you first walk around it for five minutes, then flip through the photos again, and after that, really only want to do one thing: get in. The Fiat comes with a comprehensive file documenting its history and race participations. And then 2027 is slowly drawing nearer. One hundred years after the first Mille Miglia, Brescia will once again be the place where enthusiasts from all over the world gather. For anyone who doesn’t just want to watch from the sidelines but wants to line up at the starting line in a car with genuine Mille Miglia history, it’s hard to imagine a more fitting candidate. The participant? It has more than earned that name by now. Contact Gallery Aaldering and discover this Fiat for yourself. We export our vehicles worldwide—ask about the possibilities.
