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• Auction House:
  Donington Auctions
• Sale Name:
  Classic & Vintage Automobiles - Featuring the vast Brownbill collection of Lancia cars & parts
• Sale Date:
  06 Aug 2023 ~ 12.30pm (AEST)
• Lot #:
  2
• Lot Description:
  1925 FIAT 501 C TORPEDO - Travelled less than 2,000 since restoration
  The Fiat 501, the Italian company's first model after World War 1, was produced between 1919 and 1926 and was its first real volume success. The 501 was a conventional yet beautifully executed design powered by a Cavalli-designed long-stroke 1460cc four-cylinder side-valve engine, mounted in an elegant chassis. It was a paragon of reliability thanks to its engineering and strength and was highly praised in period and since. Fiat introduced S and SS sports versions of the 501 in 1921, while production was moved to the new Lingotto factory in 1923, made famous many years later in the film 'The Italian Job' when Minis raced around its test track on the roof. A wide track 501C model was produced for sale in overseas markets, such as Australia, with its wider axles becoming standard equipment on the 501's successor, the 503. The new 503 was essentially the same car as the 501 aside from its squared-off radiator design. Some 69,478 Fiat 501s were made in total, a resounding success by any measure. Incredibly, this 1925 Fiat 501C Torpedo has had just three owners, the first for 37 years and the second for 59 years! Imported into Australia as a rolling chassis, the Fiat was originally bodied in the factory style (copied from the brochure) by Horwood Bagshaw in South Australia. Our second, fastidious owner undertook a complete back to basics restoration, removing the Horwood Bagshaw body from the chassis and then individually restoring or refurbishing the chassis, body, and mechanicals. When the engine was rebuilt it was fitted with a later Fiat 503 head, while the gearbox, clutch, brakes, and front axle were all reconditioned. A new wiring harness was fitted, and all electricals reconditioned. Today, this vintage tourer presents beautifully in dark red bodywork with grey guards and matching grey leatherette trim and carpets. Period features include the Fiat-branded headlights and instruments, set in a wooden dashboard, plus a Smiths clock. There’s also a half-tonneau for the rear passenger seat when not in use. It has travelled less than 2000km since the restoration, was most recently registered on Victorian club plates, and comes with an original Handbook, a spare parts list, hood frame, tools, braked front axle and restoration and service notes. This 1925 Fiat 501C Torpedo would make an excellent car for vintage club events. A collection of Fiat 501 spare parts is also being sold separately (Lot 19) and would be a great complement to this car. It includes an engine with generator, starter and water pump, a gearbox, steering box and column, radiator, and petrol tank
• Notes:
  The Fiat 501 C is being sold here unregistered.
• Estimate:
  A$0 - 0
• Realised Price:
  *****
  

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• Category:
  Automobiles & Accessories

This Sale has been held and this item is no longer available. Details are provided for information purposes only.