Again a star's name in Michelotti's firmament! First presented at the 1971 Turin Auto Show and proposed to the Geneva '72 visitors with slight changes to the tail lights (now flush with the body and no more recessed), is in time the last custom body prototype signed by the Turinese coachbuilder.
This 2 + 2 "Berlinetta" is built around Fiat 132 chassis, leaving its underbody and mechanics unchanged, and therefore the wheelbase, while the wider wheels slightly augment the treads.
The suspension run has been reduced by 4 cm, but the only major change was replacing the gas tank with a greater-capacity one (75 L) located above the rear axle in a safer place. In the meantime, the shortening by 33 cm of the rear overhang has entailed the relocation of thи spare wheel from horizontal to vertical position across the tail.
However, this further reduces the space available for luggage transportation, compensated for by the possibility of obtaining an additional loading piane surface by lowering the rear squab.
Worth noting is the arrangement of the instrument panel, gathering all controls within driver's reach; together with the quality of materials and upholstery layout, it provides the interior trimming of the Flares with the styling distinction lacking on the production sedan.
Source: www.conceptcars.it; Concept Car Central
Images: www.conceptcars.it; Concept Car Central
