Lot 133 - 1927 Fiat 503 12 H.P. Two-Three Seater Torpedo
| Lot Number | 133 |
| Registration | YU 321 |
| Chassis Number | 4223586 |
| Engine Number | 4124554 |
| Odometer reading | 8,021 miles |
| Result | Sold - £10,640 |
The first FIAT (FIAT being an acronym for Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino) was rolled out from the factory in 1901. During the 1920s, to save on import duties, FIAT supplied the chassis units only to FIAT (England) Limited, chassis units having a lot less tax liability than complete automobiles. The catalogue for the FIAT 12 h.p. Model 503, in the UK offered three choices of body style, a 12 h.p. five-seater (four doors) open model (£295), a 12 h.p. saloon (four doors) closed model (£350) and as offered today, a 12 h.p. two-three Seater (with Dickie seat) open design (£290).
According to Fiat UK Limited, this particular chassis was supplied to Fiat England on 9th March 1927. The chassis was bodied by Fiat at the company’s Railways Materials Department, Ashford, Kent, which, at the time, undertook the building of special bodied cars in addition to locomotives and rolling stock. Due to its unusual coachbuilder, you may be able to spot the railway items fitted such as the electrical master on off switch mounted within the rear seating/boot area and the railway carriage door handles. Originally supplied with a grey coachwork, today, this Fiat is presented in very good order in yellow over black. It has a full complement of weather equipment and has recently been treated to a new Triplex windscreen (two pieces), supplied by Warner Glass, Croydon, who also supplied a windscreen for this motorcar in 1952 for £8.00. A copy of that invoice from 1952, now sits framed on their office wall in Croydon, the current owner of the company, having made that glass in 1952; the original resides in the history file. This Torpedo also sits on its original Sankeys, patented, pressed steel wheels. Recent works include, a re-skimmed engine cylinder head and block, the valves re-faced, a new battery, an overhauled radiator and re-sprung seats with new webbing. Starting is aided by an electrical start with a starting handle backup.
Along with it current UK V5C registration document, this Fiat comes with two continuation buff log books from the 1950s and records that the car was first registered on 29th September 1927. There is also the original build sheet, old invoices and an MoT test certificates, one invoice in particular is from Sunningdale Motors to a Pilot Officer G. Partridge dated 30th June 1952. Other items include a chassis parts manual, catalogue, operating instructions, road test reports and various letters. Various spares such as an engine block, gearbox, rear axle and other small components are also included. This lovely and well cared for Fiat is a handsome machine and, to find one today in this condition and functioning, as it should, is a rare find indeed. Great fun for the summer pub/club runs and offered with an exceptionally reasonable estimate.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.