The Fiat VSS prototype was based on the Fiat Ritmo and resulted from the collaboration between Fiat, the I.D.E.A. Institute, and Renzo Piano’s team. The structure was a steel spaceframe, and the body (with plastic panels) had no load-bearing capacity. Still, this choice was made for the first time to reduce the vehicle weight and obtain high flexibility in terms of external shape, production, and assembly. In the original concept, the nine external panels had to be produced separately (as complete “subsystems”) and then assembled in a final production line. After twenty years, these issues became primary importance for the whole Automobile Industry. Today this philosophy of production is being investigated by many Car Manufacturers. It was presented at the 1981 Turin Motor Show.
Source: 1981 Fiat VSS (I.DE.A) - Ateliers. https://www.carstyling.ru/de/car/1981_fiat_vss/
Images: www.idea.institute.it; Mario Buonocunto Concept Cars Page
