Undoubtedly one of Ghia’s finest achievements from the early 1960s is this Fiat CoupéThe design of this 2+2 coupé was the result of a collaboration between Sergio Sartorelli and Tom Tjaarda. A distinctive feature is the three-piece panoramic rear window, also used in other Ghia creations. The slimly styled rear lights are inevitably reminiscent of Ferrari. The interior, too, was designed with attention to detail and aesthetics. |
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Fiat 2300 Coupé: luxury, design, and production historyBehind the Nardi steering wheel with its wooden rim sit elegant round Veglia dials. Luxury features for the time included a footrest for the front passenger and electric window controls. The Coupé was based on the chassis of the sleek Fiat 2100 saloon and was first presented as a prototype at the 1960 Turin Motor Show. Encouraged by the highly positive reception from both press and public, Fiat decided to add the four-seater coupé to its range. Production began two years later and was entrusted to the newly founded OSI (Officini Stampaggi Industriali), in which Olivetti was one of the industrial partners. |
Fiat 2300 Coupé: power and engineering by AbarthThe production model was immediately offered with the 2300 inline-six engine designed by former Ferrari engineer Aurelio Lampredi. The engine block was cast iron, while the cylinder head was made of lightweight alloy. The base version delivered 105 bhp, while the 2300 S, tuned by Abarth, produced 136 bhp. Key modifications for additional power included a modified exhaust, a different camshaft, a higher compression ratio, and the use of two twin Weber 38DCOE carburettors. A detail visible only underneath the car is the engine sump with cooling fins and an integrated 'Abarth' inscription. |
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Fiat 2300 S: sportiness, technology, and a Belgian connectionThe 2300 and 2300 S were remarkably advanced for their time, featuring double wishbone front suspension, four disc brakes, and brake assistance. All S versions were handled by Abarth, and there’s even a notable Belgian connection. Abarth versions were test-driven by renowned drivers such as Mauro Bianchi, Paul Frère, Teddy Pilette, and Pascal Ickx. With the launch of the Series 2, only the 2300 S remained available. Production ended in 1968, succeeded by the Fiat 130, which placed greater emphasis on luxury. For pure sportiness, Fiat introduced the Dino in 1966, fitted with a Ferrari V6 engine. |
Fiat 2300S Coupé Abarth Series 2: details and historyThe 2300S Coupé Abarth on display in the museum is a so-called Series 2, introduced from late 1964 with a few minor updates. One visible difference is the lower position of the door handles compared to the Series 1. According to the registration documents, however, the museum’s example is from 1963. This is due to the previous owner having lost the original paperwork and replacing it with documents dated from 1963. The engine is a race-prepared, internally polished version by Abarth. |
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