From its debut, the Fiat 8V solidified its status as one of the most iconic cars ever produced by the Italian manufacturer. Unveiled at the 1952 Geneva Motor Show, it caught the automotive world by surprise. Road & Track described it as “the biggest surprise of the year,” while The Motor noted that Italy’s largest car factory had unexpectedly created a sleek and streamlined two-seater saloon.
This enthusiastic reception was shared by Europe’s elite gentleman racers, and for good reason—the 8V delivered outstanding performance. Equipped with a 2.0-liter, all-aluminum, narrow-angle V-8 engine, it could achieve an impressive top speed of 120 mph.
Weighing in at just under 2,200 pounds and featuring a Siata-designed tubular chassis, the 8V boasted an unrivaled power-to-weight ratio. It dominated the 2.0-liter class of the Italian GT Championship for six consecutive seasons, from 1954 to 1959, with privately entered 8Vs taking the title.
The 8V was also a popular choice for custom coachwork, and among the various designs created for this model, Giovanni Savonuzzi’s Supersonic for Ghia stood out as the most striking. Embodying a Jet Age aesthetic, the Supersonic bestowed the Fiat 8V supercar with an awe-inspiring appearance that matched its remarkable performance.
The Supersonic featured a long front deck with a steeply raked windshield, a curved nose flowing into a straight beltline, and small tailfins that resembled jet exhausts. It is widely regarded as the most celebrated and coveted creation by Ghia, showcasing their design prowess.
Source: RM Sotheby’s
