Chassis No. 186427
Some of the most extraordinary creations in automotive history are the result of a design vision from the gentleman whose name sits above the front door. The extraordinary industrialist and business magnate Gianni Agnelli was no exception, and by the time the 1970s drew to a close, a number of limited production, at times even entirely bespoke, creations were credited to his creativity – the wood-paneled Fiat 130 Familiare he enjoyed with family in St. Moritz and a stunning, custom Ferrari 375 America to name just a couple.
This particular 1963 Fiat 2300 Presidenziale Landaulette is one such example. The 2300 series was a limited production long-wheelbase limousine bodied by Carrozzeria Francis Lombardi, intended for diplomatic and ceremonial service. Utilizing a 2300 de Luxe as the basis, the chassis was lengthened allowing for additional rear seating and various finishes and customizations were employed to the customer's specification.
The landaulette iteration of the Presidenziale is, as the name implies, outfitted with a foldable top, which is understood to have been originally commissioned for the use of the Vatican and Pope Paul VI. Production was very limited and surviving examples are exceptionally rare. This car has always been understood to have been commissioned by Gianni Agnelli himself, the soon-to-be Chairman of Fiat, for the transportation of VIPs at the factory in Torino. The car is finished in dark blue with an automatically retractable top, the interior is upholstered beautifully in dark blue and one of its many fascinating features is low-speed cruise control for parade use.
While definitive supporting documentation is not available, the car's provenance is supported by its release from FIAT Centro Storico in the 1980s before its acquisition by a private collector and subsequent sale to the consignor. The car is understood to have transported President John F. Kennedy and his wife Jacqueline alongside Gianni and Marella Agnelli, upon the president's visit to Italy in 1963. Presented in very well preserved and remarkably original condition, this Fiat 2300 Presidenziale Landaulette is an extraordinary document of Italian industrial history and one of the last remnants of proper Italian coachbuilding.
Documents: Cancelled Italian Libretto
- Fuel
- Body Types
- Transmission
- Exterior Colour
- Number of doors
- Interior Colour
- VIN Code186427
