Photography Alessandra Leocata
In the early 1900s, Fiat cars were a roadgoing status symbol. Their trademarks were state-ofthe-art engineering and craftsmanship, and their status was enhanced by success in racing. Today we take the idea that competition improves the breed with a pinch of salt, but back then it was absolutely true, even in that pioneering era.
The company – Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino – was established in 1899 by incorporating Giovanni Battista Ceirano’s business Accomandita Ceirano. As early as April 1900, its 6HP Corsa (powered by a twocylinder 1082cc engine) won on its debut in the Torino-Asti race. Three were built for the works team, and the company established its tradition of creating a special vehicle dedicated to racing (hence the ‘Corsa’ name). The car was very good indeed, the creation of gifted engineer Aristide Faccioli, Fiat’s first technical director, who’d had the same role at Accomandita Ceirano (after leaving Fiat in 1901, he fathered the first Italian aeroplane).