Video: Fiat 1100 by Stanguellini – an Italian Sports Car Jewel

Fabrizio Lorenzoni grew up watching race car driving heroes storm the streets outside his family home as they chased victory in the Parma – Poggio di Berceto. In the ’50s his father purchased a Fiat 1100 by Stanguellini, bringing a part of that racing history into the family home.

The family remain custodians of that Italian sports car jewel to this day, and the latest short film from Petrolicious tells their story.

“When I race, dressing the way drivers did in those days, I feel like I’m one of them.. although they were crazy and I’m a bit more calm.”

The Fiat 1100 by Stanguellini began its life in 1948 as a racing car, and spent its early days competing in classic events like the Targa Florio, Giro di Toscana, Grand Prix of Rome and Grand Prix of Naples.

Lorenzoni’s father bought it not to race, but to take a simple pleasure from the honour of owning such a car and having it waiting for him in his own garage. So, from 1955 when he bought it until 1977 the Italian jewel rested quietly in the garage.

In 1977 an event was held to commemorate the Parma – Poggio di Berceto. The organisers sought the family and the car out, and Fabrizio took the car for its first racing outing in more than two decades. They raced alongside Formula 1 greats like Lauda, Fittipaldi and Regazzoni, and the car’s second racing career was born.

It’s a beautiful story, told masterfully by the crew at Petrolicious. Hit play on the video!