The roots of Fiat span more than 100 years of automotive innovation and engineering achievements. The company got its start in 1899 when Giovanni Agnelli gathered several investors together and founded the Italian Factory of Turin in 1899. The name was changed to Fiat in 1906 and Agnelli guided his company until his death in 1945. The early years were filled with many milestones as Fiat built its first truck in 1903 and exported their first car to the United States in 1908. The company also built quite a reputation on the race track and even manufactured an aircraft engine. In just one decade Fiat had become the largest automobile company in Italy and a U.S. plant was opened in Poughkeepsie, New York in 1910. Owning a Fiat at the time was a clear sign of social status as they were not inexpensive cars. While Henry’s Model T could be had for a mere $525, a Fiat started at $4,000 and could easily run close to $7,000 with custom coachwork. Not only were Fiat’s cars a mark of social status and beauty, but their engineering was superb. A Fiat was built to standards that were only attained by such names as Napier and Rolls-Royce. Indeed, the frame of a Fiat could support several thousand pounds and the engine was massive with engineering advances that were way ahead of its time. Sadly, World War I caused Fiat to close its Poughkeepsie factory in 1917, but not before it turned out some amazing cars.
Offered here is a survivor from the golden era of Fiat’s brief but stellar U.S. history, a 1912 Tipo 56 Touring with fantastic provenance with previous ownership of Earl Snodgrass and Jim Adams. A very impressive car in photos, but literally has to be seen to be believed. The incredible size, width, and breadth of this large touring car can only be appreciated in person. This amazing car carries the same features of a large Thomas Flyer, Locomobile or Pierce Arrow 66 of the day, but the brass badge up front lets the world know that this is a Fiat. As a touring car form the Golden Age, the elegance of this Fiat cannot be underestimated. Starting at the front a tubular brass bumper is simple yet stylish and is a perfect match for the large brass headlamps. A tall and imposing brass radiator carries the Fiat name and more brass work is found at the cowl were lanterns, horns, and mirrors with beveled glass add just the right touch of elegance against beautiful work. Full step running boards underlie the huge body with an elegantly styled wood tool box on the left while the right side carries a twin set of spare tires. Despite its size the entry doors are small and simply designed for ease of entry and exit. No touring car is complete without exterior storage and this Type 56 carries a black leather trunk that features plenty of room and also carries the Fiat name. Stepping into this car is like stepping back through the pages of time with a venerable sea of fine leather, beautiful carpet, and exquisite wood work that is reminiscent of the finest furniture. The rear seat features finely bolstered and pleated seat cushions with folding jump seats for extra passengers. The driver’s compartment features a fine array of brass gauges, dual glove boxes, and finely finished wood work. Most impressive is a large steering wheel with fuel and spark advance controls and the combination of polished brass and wood makes for an artwork-like presentation. Clearly a family of social status demanded only the best and the luxurious interior of this Fiat delivered on all counts.
If one’s social status was determined by the number of cylinders in their motorcar during the early days, the Fiat outshined a number of its competitors with a huge six-cylinder engine that really delivered 75 horsepower paired with a four speed gearbox. Despite this being an early motorcar, the engineering behind Fiat’s large inline six is surpassed only by its beauty. Indeed, all fittings are highly polished and all wiring, gearing, and plumbing are neatly sorted in a way that makes the engine compartment an object of beauty. This Tipo 56 Touring has also undergone a few refinements that contribute to its drivability and safety. A modern clutch was fitted in the 1990s that makes shifting a breeze and hydraulic brakes were also fitted for safety as well as an extra radiator and electric fans for cooling making this car the ultimate tour car.
This Fiat’s provenance has been established back to the 1950s. It has been owned by many distinguished collectors and has also been driven on many tours with complete reliability. It has also been displayed by invitation at Pebble Beach and the Concourso Italiano. The chance to own a car as rare as a U.S. built Fiat is almost as rare as the car itself. For the very best in the world of collector cars this is an example that has few equals. With its impressive size, abundance of power, and dedication to authenticity, this is a car that embodies the true spirit of the early days of motoring and is a fine addition to any world class collection of investment grade motorcars.
