Started in 1920 by the four Fissore brothers (Bernardo, Antonio, Costanzo and Giovanni) to produce horse drawn vehicles, they began their first tentative steps into the car and truck world at the end of that decade.

In the 1930's they began modifying production cars before the war turned their attention to aiding the military effort with the production of various truck based vehicles such as surgeries, offices etc. Following the cessation of hostilities they turned to various vehicles including cars, ambulances, hearses, light commercial vehicles etc. The 1950's saw them turning ever more to Fiat chassis', including the 1100TV based coupe of 1953 which was their first big success.

Predictably, models followed based on the 600 (including a 2+2) and the Multipla (including the 'Sabrina', a 4/6-seater with redesigned bodywork), and then the pinnacle of their history, the 1500 and 1600S coupes and spiders. The first car, a coupe based on the Fiat 1500, was shown at the Turin Motorshow on 1959. The version with the OSCA derived mechanicals (including a tubular chassis) emerged later in 1962. Around the late 1950's they also began building coupes and spiders based on the Auto Union-DKW with its 980cc three-cylinder engine.

This was also built in Argentina, Brasil and Spain! Following the gradual demise of OSCA, Fissore branched out and produced various cars such as a few prototype Vallelunga's, the Elva-BMW, some TVR Tridents, and various others in ever decreasing numbers through the late 60's and 70's (including the 500 based Mongho 650 coupe and the A112 based Otas). Throughout this time they also had a good relationship with Monteverdi for whom they produced various cars.

The last success of the company was the Fiat 127 based 'Scout', introduced in 1971. Originally developed by Maina as the 'Gypsy' they lacked the resources to bring it to production and so it passed to Fissore. Basically a 127 with the bodyshell cut-off and replaced with a fibreglass structure (later some steel panels were used), it was an open, jeep like vehicle. It was built in some numbers, including for export.

The company finally closed in 1984.

©VEA