Fiat despite its large international presences has only recently re-entered the US market with its merger or purchase of Chrysler. Despite being the sixth largest automobile manufacturer in the world FIAT is better known in this country as "Fix It Again Tony". It wasn't always so.

In the 1950's and 60's FIAT produced a few very interesting cars on par with Lancia and ALFA, companies it would later absorbed. The 2300 and 2300S coupe based the sedan of the same name was often referred to as the 'poor man's Ferrari"-another company FIAT would absorbed .

The Tifosi might not agree with the above assertion but given the coupe's elegant Ghia penned lines, luxury amenities and sophisticated drivetrain, it isn't really such a stretch. The 2300 coupe with its slender line, large greenhouse is a representative of the highpoint of 1950's Italianate automotive styling.

(Sophisticated 2.3L inline six engine mated with a five speed manual. The 2300 and 2300S shared the same engine at different levels of power output; 105hp for the 2300 and 136hp for the 2300S)

These are very rare, unappreciated cars; made rarer still by attrition (rust etc) and the fact that only just over 3000 made from 1961 through 1968. As a potential owner, the 2300S guarantees an unusually elegant ride and lots questions of "what is it?" at your local car meet perhaps except your local Fiat club.

For more info about the 2300S, check out http://www.xs4all.nl/~bprint69/fiat/ (Photos courtesy of Bonhams and http://www.xs4all.nl/~bprint69/fiat/)