It was intended to replace the Fiat 1100/103 TV (Turismo Veloce), the sportiest and more luxuriously trimmed model of the 1100 range.

Intended as a luxury model, the Granluce's bodywork was heavily decorated: there was a contrasting colour roof, a ribbed chrome panel on the C pillar, and bright trim on the bonnet, sides and boot lid.

Early publicity photos show the 1200 with suicide doors (hinged at the rear), but the production model did not feature these.

At the 1957 Turin Motor Show, alongside the Granluce saloon, Fiat also introduced the 1200 TV Trasformabile two-seater roadster.

Exterior changes from the earlier model were minimal, and included new front and rear bumpers with taller over-riders moved further inboards.