OTTOVÙ78 1956 Fiat 8V ZAGATO (Zagato) 106*000078*

The book tells one of just six Fiat 8V ZAGATO "double-bubble" models produced: chassis 106*000078*.  It raced in the 1956 Mille Miglia, driven by Mario "Wotan" Ferrini and Sergio Rabuffi for the Scuderia Sant Ambroeus, ranking 47th overall and 9th in its class. Its Zagato’s “essential elegance” also earned it 1st in class at the 1956 Concorso d’Eleganza in Rimini.

The volume traces the entire sporting history, participation in competitions, changes of ownership, the historical continuity made of Zagato gatherings up to the long restoration that brought it back to the original shape of the characteristic front and the original color. 

The volume is embellished with very refined graphics based on distinctive elements of the car such as the detail of the grille that becomes a translucent texture in the dust jacket or background to the images as well as the 8V emblem.

Written in English, generously sized at 250 x 325 mm, it was published in Italy in 2024 in 288 high-quality paper pages.

The books’ print run was limited and for private diffusion and distribution.

Highlights

• One of just 6 examples by Zagato with double bubble roof.
• One of just 22 examples of Fiat 8V born with Zagato body.
• One of just 31 examples on the total of the Fiat 8V by Zagato.
• First owners: Elio Zagato and Franco Cornacchia.
• On 1956, it competed in the XXXIII Mille Miglia with Ferrini/Rabuffi (Scuderia Sant Ambroeus, #342) 47th OA/12thCL. 
• On Late July 1956 it was purchased by Piero Bernabei, from the family of racing drivers and car dealers.
• On 1956, it attended the Concorso Internazionale di Eleganza per Automobili in Rimini, with Sanzio Nicolini, 1st CL.
• The body was modified, in early 1960, with a new front end, inspired by the one of the Ferrari by Pininfarina.
• On 1960, it competed in the Coppa Fagioli with Lanfranco Revel (Scuderia Marche, #204), 1st CL.
• In January 1962, the car was purchased by Franco Mercatali, renowned racing driver.
• On 1962, it competed with Mercatali in San Benedetto-Acquaviva Picena 4th CL and Coppa Fagioli (Scuderia Marche, #496) 1st CL.
• June 17th-19th, 1977, it participated to the “1927 - 1977, 50° DELLA 1000 MIGLIA” (#90) with Remo Tomassini.
• The car attended several historic car events during the 80s and 90s.
• 2016-2023: Jan de Reu undertakes a long and thorough restoration to bring the car back to its pristine shape and splendor.