The Creation of a Unique Italian Sports Car: The Fiat 8V

Introduction

In July 1954, our road test concluded that the Fiat 8V, also known as the Otto Vu in Italy, was a high-performance 2-liter car that provided excellent performance, roadholding, and driving pleasure. This unique sports car was a surprising creation from Fiat, a mainstream company known for producing family cars like the 500 and 1100.

The Origins of the Fiat 8V

The story behind the Fiat 8V begins with the aftermath of World War II. In 1947, Fiat CEO Vittorio Valletta, at the request of Italian Prime Minister Alcide De Gasperi, decided to create a new car as a symbol of gratitude to the United States for the Marshall Plan. This car was intended to cater to American tastes and be a commercial tool for Fiat.

Initially, the plan was to create a large car with a six-cylinder engine. However, due to resource constraints, Fiat’s engineering chief Dante Giacosa insisted on using a V8 engine instead. This decision made the design process easier for Fiat.

The Birth of the Fiat 8V

By the time the Fiat 8V was completed, Italy’s economy had recovered, and the political will to create a car for American tastes had faded. Instead of scrapping the project, Fiat decided to transform the V8 engine into a sports car to revive the brand’s sporting image.

In 1952, Fiat unveiled the 8V with a coupé body designed and manufactured in-house. The car featured various components from existing Fiat models, including suspension from the 1100 and a rear drive unit from the Campagnola off-roader.

Performance and Reception

The Fiat 8V’s V8 engine was a marvel of engineering, with its cylinders set at a 70-degree angle and a crankshaft with four throws. The car achieved a top speed comparable to 2-liter saloons of the time and impressed with its handling and roadholding capabilities.

Carrozzerie, famous Italian coachbuilders, contributed to the Fiat 8V’s aesthetic appeal by designing stunning bodies for the chassis. Rallyists and racers also found success with privately entered 8Vs in various competitions.

The End of the Fiat 8V

Despite the initial success and acclaim, Fiat lost interest in the 8V after just two years and 114 chassis were produced. The surplus engines and parts were used in Siata’s 208 competition cars, marking the end of the Fiat 8V’s story.

Today, the Fiat 8V, or Otto Vu, has become a highly sought-after collector’s car, with prices reaching millions of dollars.