1913 Fiat

Our latest and maybe most important barnfind. This was FIAT’s top of the line model, a 50/60 hp (USA rating 75 hp), 9015 cc, 4 cylinder.

The Tipo 5 has been build both in Italy and in the USA, known as the type 55. The American car was build strict to guidelines from Italy. Whereas the Italian car was open for experimenting, the American model was not. Hence this unique car build in Italy as number 12 of 13 swb’s produced in 1913, with its own specification.

We know from the archives that this car was delivered to Loste, Fiat representative in Paris as chassis. Delivered with a Daimler patented V type radiator and the lowest possible position of the steering column on the short wheelbase, normally used only for the chaindrive version, the Tipo 6. Loste, probably on behalf of his customer, ordered the car to be finished to very specific wishes. A very sporty body with dual foldable windshields was created, finished in dark blue with bonnet and cowl in polished aluminium. The standard factory wheels size 895 x 135 where changed in favour of smaller rims 880 x 120, with dual rear wheels for better traction in more rural parts of this world. An extra large petrol tank with stone protection, instrumentation in French, a Bleriot dynamo and electric lights would follow. The front wings had an arrangement for a spare twin rear wheel on one side and a spare single at the other side. A demountable clock and two small spring seats in the rear compartment. Even the original FIAT carburettor was replaced by a French Cozette carburettor for better breathing. The result is a stunning, beautiful and elegant monster.

We found this car near the headquarters of General Pjotr Nicolavitsj Wrangel, Chief in Command of the White Russian Army after the revolution of 1917. It is believed to have been laid up after his untimely death at the age of 55 in 1928. Stored since would explain its remarkable condition, almost complete with only the rear springs missing. Since the car has been equipped with special features it has been suggested that it was ordered new by him or by King Alexander of Yugoslavia a great friend of the Russian Tsar and admirer of the White Russian Army.

Before 1914 FIAT’s reputation equalled that of Mercedes and if one studies the competitors of that area the FIAT Tipo 5 is an obvious choice for use in very rural surroundings. Chain drive would have been a weak point with all the dirt around. Cars like the Mercedes 28/95 or Rolls Royce Silver Ghost far too complicated. So a relative straight forward, big 4 cylinder sv engine with a tremendous torque (one of FIAT’s strongest selling points) would have been the logic choice.

The car was found in pieces and imported as such into the Netherlands. After being put together the car was shown to the Dutch customs and received an official inspection report, which entitles the car to be registered after rebuild.