Fiat Tipo Zero

Key facts

Year

1913
Country

Italy
Capacity

1,847cc
Cylinders

4 cylinder
Valves

Side valve
Performance

45mph
Price new

£375
Owner

Montagu Collection
Manufacturer

Fabbrica Italiana Automobili, Turin

Also called the 12/15, the Fiat Tipo Zero was the first Fiat to be produced in large numbers and was specifically aimed at middle-class owner/drivers. Over 2,000 were built between 1912 and 1915. Fiat offered only one body style – a four-seat open tourer. They were also supplied in chassis only form to coachbuilders for fitting custom bodies such as this two-seater by Farina.

This car was fitted with electric lighting and larger wheels in 1917 and remained in regular use for nearly forty years. It was driven in trials events by Mr A. Prime during the 1930s including the London – Edinburgh, Land’s End and Exeter trials in 1933. It also saw regular use as a garage tow vehicle up to 1951.