1972 Fiat Flares (Michelotti)

Again a star’s name in Michelotti’s firmament! First presented at the 1971 Turin Auto Show and reproposed 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 do slightly augment the treads.

The suspension run has been reduced by 4 cm, but the only change of some importance regards the replacement of the gas tank with a greater-capacity one (75 L) located above the rear axle in a safer piace. In the meantime the shortening by 33 cm of the rear overhang has entailed the relocation of thи sparewheel from horizontal to vertical position across the tail.

Which further reduces the space available for luggage transportation, however compensated for by the possibility to obtain 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.

Like the 1971 Pulsar, the Flares was based on the Fiat 132, and was built to study aerodynamics and safety. Presented at the 1972 Turin Auto Show, the Flares was characterized by the taillights which wrapped around to the sides of the body, and the large side signal indicators. The "sawn-off" rear deck and bumpers were carry-overs from the Pulsar, which, like the Flares, seated four people. On the Flares, however, there was no all-round protective buffer.