Let me introduce the FIAT 2300S Coupé. I think it is time to discover this car, a beautiful albeit almost forgotten Italian classic It has everything you can expect of a great classic GT. - A stunning GHIA bodywork. Take a look at the GHIA DUAL L6.4 and you will clearly see the resemblance. Ghia was one of the finest Italian coachbuilders of its time, specialising in building prototype and cars for the kings - A great engine. A straight 6 cylinders by Aurelio Lampredi. Aurelio Lampredi, doesnt that ring a bell in the Ferrari world ?? - The Abarth touch: Abarth added two large Webber carburettors to the engine and made a few other modifications. A few cars were fully prepared by Abarth, with 3 carbs, etc. It is considered the last prestige GT that FIAT built, after what FIAT resolutely engaged in popular production cars. This car did beat several speed records at Monza. In its market segment, it was directly competing with the Alfa 2600 coupé and the Lancia Flaminia GT. It is unclear how many 2300S were built, but certainly not that many, their chassis number is no different from the 2300 sedan as FIAT confirmed to me and the GHIA archives do not say. This car later fell in oblivion, the major part were destroyed or dismantled. On the road, the car is very well balanced and engine powerful. More sporty than its competitors (which I also drove and own). New, it was more expensive than a Type E Jaguar. This build quality is impressive. The upholstery so high in quality. I will attach a few pics of mine, one of the last preserved examples. Hopefully you will enjoy
Great looking cars! However, I think the FIAT 130 Coupé (1971-1977) qualifies as a prestige GT too...
I had the pleasure to own both a couple of 130 coupe's and 2300 S coupe's and still own a 2300S coupe and specialize in restoring these great straight six cars These are truly amazing cars with a very high level of sophisticatation and drivers . The 2300 is clearly an old scool gentlemans GT whereas the 130 is more a luxury cruiser. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Not really in my opinion. The caracter of that car is quite different , more sporty wheras the 2300 coupe is much more a gentlemans GT. They are both in a class of there own .
Have loved these cars for years, but sadly the prices keep climbing higher. There was a local 2300S that was claimed to have the Abarth carb setup here in Los Angeles. Asking price was about $6k if I remember right, but it had been sitting for years, had rust and needed full restoration. I'm guessing it would have cost $50k to put it right.
Hi Rory Its highly unlikely that this 2300 coupe was originally equipped with a 3 carb Abarth setup as there were only less than a handful made that way and never officially sold. Ofcourse its possible , but not likely , that somewere in its life it was converted to a 3 carb set up instead of the original 2 38DCOE 's . Remember that the 2 carbs were also "Abarth" as all "S" models were Abarth tuned. None "S" models were equiped with the standard 2300 Berlina (saloon) engine and equipped with 1 carb. The none "S" models however were not in great demand as most buyers chose to spend the extra 1000 dollar or so to get the extra power and the standard none "S" model was dropped for the 2nd and 3rd series coupes.
Very true , I own Ferrari's , an Iso Grifo , Jaguars, Renault 8 Gordini, Barracuda etc etc but the humble but elegant Fiat 2300S coupe , a true GT is the one I will never part with. Sent from my SM-G930F using FerrariChat.com mobile app
The car I referenced in post #11 is back on the market, same seller I think. Just in case anyone is interested -- I have no personal connection. Wish I could take it on myself, but I know from other projects that this one is out of my range. https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/cto/d/1970-fiat-2300s/6381006344.html
That's a LOT of work but the price is not unreal . It seems to be lagerly complete. I have restored ones that were at least as worse. If it had been in Europe I would probably have bought it Sent from my SM-G930F using FerrariChat.com mobile app
Agree, the price is fair considering the car's rarity. I have owned equally ambitious projects, but have learned that I do not finish them, so it's not for me.
