Lot 220: 1927 Fiat 509A Torpedo

In 1916 the construction of Fiat's Lingotto factory started under the direction of Giacomo Matte Trucco. The car-making plant, the largest of its kind in Europe, was built over five floors and boasted an awesome test track on the roof which can still be seen today. It soon became the emblem of the Italian automotive industry and was completed in 1922. In the meantime, Fiat diversified its activities into the steel industry, the railway, electricity and public transportation lines. Fiat Lubrificante was established and the first Italian subsidiary was opened in Russia. When the Great War broke out, company production was almost entirely aimed at supplying the Army. After the war, there were years of transformation and crisis but, as early as 1923, growth resumed thanks to an effective cost-curbing policy. Giovanni Agnelli became the CEO and numerous car models car models were launched, amongst them the 509. The priority policy adopted by the company was to develop industrial mass production which was seen as the only way to curb the prohibitive prices of cars. Not only did the 509 signify the transitional period from effectively coachbuilt cars into assembly line production but the Fiat Company also used this model to champion hire purchase and integral insurance policies. Reviewed by Italian marque specialist magazine Auto Italia in its January issue, this Austin 7/Invicta mix represents an excellent example of its type. A completely 'up and running car', it was restored in 1956 in Rome and has four gears instead of the usual three. It also benefits from electric start, clock, oil warning light and an alternator and the model was famous for offering real luxury for its time. It was described by Adam Swift as a visceral experience to drive, engaging to steer and extremely sympathetically restored. Complete with British registration documents, various handbooks and manuals as well as a MoT test certificate valid until May 2009, this represents and interesting and historically valid addition to any collection.