Classic Motor Action - Exclusive European Sportscars

1954 Fiat 8V Rapi berlinetta carrosseria speciale

Sold in 2010.

One of the rare Fiat Otto VU by Rapi, a second series car of which about 24 were produced.  This particular car has an interesting story as it was first registered on Fiat's own Experimental Department on the Via Lingotto, where the factory had their test track built on the roof of a factory building.  Please read the history:

Chassis number:  000093      Engine number:   0000139

The car was ‘discovered’ by me in Italy, where it was part of a Fiat collection of an important Fiat and Alfa Romeo dealer.  It took me more then one year and a half of patience and negotiating, before I finally could purchase the car. Here is the story:

The Rapi 8V took my interest because it was in totally original condition, even down to the original piping between the bumpers and the body.

The interior is totally original and in excellent condition, showing only some use to the original carpets. Mechanically, it is also totally original, and full matching numbers.

Furthermore, the car has complete and great history, all this fully documented !

- First registration: July 01/1954:  First registered owner was the Fiat factory itself, namely it’s Experimental Department at the via Lingotto, where Fiat had it’s own test track.  The registration number was: TO 538972.  The car stayed 3 years in this department of Fiat.

- Second registration: March 12, 1957:  Sold to Vercillina Guiseppe di Italo, who was a pharmacist in Torino, and aged of 60 years at that moment. The registration number stayed the same TO 538972

In 1963, he moved to Cossato, region of Vercelli and registered the car there. The new registration number was: VC 84479 (as still today)

Vercellina died in 1971, and so on September 9^th , 1971 his children become the new owners in co-ownership: Vercellina Edith, Vercellina Carla and Lora Lamia Sergio.

Two months later on November 25, 1971 Lora Lamia Sergio became the sole owner. She kept the car as a reminder, the registration number stayed.

But after 2 years, on September 10, 1973 she sold the car to Gibello Rosangela in Biella.  The car although was not reregistered, so it is very likely that it was bought just for the love of owning it. Still until the day, the car was never reregistered.

On 08/08/1988, The car was purchased by the Fiat/Alfa Romeo dealership Brinobet of Susegana.

Brinobet took the car to the historic Mille Miglia and applied for Fiva documents and also for ASI documents, and got the highest level: Gold.

ASI= Automotoclub Storico Italiano which means the Historical Automobile Club of Italy.  This is the principal club of Italy and has a lot of authority.

It is the organisation that issues a certificate of originality, which is necessary in Italy in order to get the admission to participate at all major and important events.  There are three degrees of originality, gold being the highest level, and this car has gold.

 So finally, and after more than 18 months of negotiating, I was able to purchase the car in a package deal of several cars !

Today, the documents that come with the car are these:

- Copy of the public register of the Autoclub of Italy, showing first and second ownership (and only registrations)

- The Foglio complementare: This is a accompaining document showing all legal transfer of ownership as acted by  notary: An official document very rarely found with a car.

- Copy of original and old Italian title of 1963, also showing the transfers of different owners.

- Fiva documents, necessary for official events

- ASI certificate of homologation

 This is an unique investment opportunity with great potential in the future.  This is the type of cars that will only appreciate in value, rare, beautiful and Mille Miglia eligable.   With this, you'll put he best cards on the table.

Please watch also the video of the car under the movies section.