The Fiat 8V Demon Rouge: A Hidden Gem of Post-War Italian Automotive Innovation

In 1947, engineer Dante Giacosa was tasked by Fiat president Vittorio Valletta to create a car suitable for the American market. This project was intended as a symbolic gesture of gratitude to the U.S. government for the aid promised to Italy through the Marshall Plan, in agreement with Prime Minister Alcide De Gasperi.

Initially, a six-cylinder engine was considered, but to reduce the technological effort in a company like Fiat, which was not accustomed to six-cylinder engines due to the well-known balancing difficulties, the idea shifted to designing an eight-cylinder V engine, which was essentially two four-cylinder engines joined together. This would allow the reuse or experimentation with components from mass-produced models.

A truss frame was also designed for increased strength and lightness, in order to boost the company's sporty image, even though resources were scarce due to the recently ended war, and those few resources were fully dedicated to reconstruction and the production of small mass-production cars. For obvious reasons, the production of the new sports car would be limited, so it was already known there would be no profit, but the adventure was still appealing. Therefore, the project and production were entrusted to SIATA (Società Italiana Auto Trasformazioni Accessori), a small company specializing in engine modifications for sports competitions.

An old 8V engine was reworked, with only the camshaft being modified, and independent suspension was used, also mounting those from the 1100 on the rear axle. The engine initially had 105 HP, which was increased in two successive evolutions to 115 and then 126 HP.

Only 114 official units were produced, along with another 50, all sold to coachbuilders like Ghia, Motto, Pininfarina, Vignale, and Zagato, for the creation of custom bodywork.

SIATA also produced a few examples called "Siata 208," which were also given to coachbuilders.

Twelve units were made by Vignale: unfortunately, it is very difficult to correctly attribute a specific body to the corresponding chassis number because Vignale’s archives have been lost. We will still make an attempt, though with some reservations.

Drawing and article by Alfredo Zanellato Vignale