Cover model: Fiat 2300 Coupé, “A worthy top model”

“A worthy top model from the Fiat brand.” That’s what our always critical former colleagues said in a lyrical test report from 1963 about the Fiat 2300 Coupé.

Could a bag of bribes have been passed when the keys were handed over? Nonsense of course, you’re absolutely right, in our opinion the 2300 Coupé is still one of the most beautiful series-built Fiats. Incidentally, series production was initially not planned at all.

The Fiat 2300 Coupé

Coachwork master Ghia presented the coupé at the Turin Motor Show in 1960, based on a 2100 model and with the intention of building a small series the following year. The 2100 is now upgraded to the 2300, and the coupé immediately benefits from this.

However, Fiat and Ghia misjudged the number of orders. The interest is greater than expected and this means that additional production capacity must be created quickly at OSI. This causes delays for early orderers (and is the reason we can’t test it until two years after launch), but cancellations fortunately remain limited. The appearance of the large coupé is more reminiscent of Maserati than Fiat, but with the advantages of maintenance-friendly series technology and a large service network at a relatively modest price.

There is no visual resemblance between the sleek coupé with its smooth sides and the three-part panoramic rear window and the austere 2300 sedan. For their money, buyers get a beautiful in-line six-cylinder with overhead camshafts and independent front suspension, but also an old-fashioned rigid rear axle with leaf springs.

There are two engine variants to choose from, the most powerful gets the suffix S. We tested the latter and if we can believe our own words, it is a brilliant GT, blessed with fantastic handling and braking, a comfortable interior for four or more people as an outstanding performance. Ghia also presents a convertible and a shooting brake, which, however, do not progress beyond the prototype stage.

Four years after its release, the lightest engine variant was discontinued and there were minor external changes, such as the chrome strip on the sides and fold-out ventilation grilles in the front fenders.

Then a three-speed automatic transmission would be an option. In 1968 the curtain fell on the Fiat 2300 Coupé, but the even more beautiful Dino Coupé and, a little later, the 130 Coupé are worthy alternatives.

Offer and prices

For years, the 2300 Coupé was an unknown exotic car that could be purchased at reasonable prices due to its origins. These days are over, because a good Fiat 2300 Coupé is still available for less than 50,000 euros, but a concours example can easily cost 75,000 euros. Usable restoration objects also cost from 20,000 euros.

In the Netherlands the range of Fiat 2300 Coupés is very limited; Only occasionally one is for sale. Of course, the best chances of getting a good rust-free example are in Italy and we can also find some in Germany.