A superb and rare photo of the famous Italian FIAT car factory racing car driven by Eldridge at the Land
Speed Record races in 1924 at the French circuit of Arpajon.
Fiat is an Italian
automobile manufacturer which was founded in 1899 by a group of investors
including Giovanni Agnelli, the company name FIAT is an acronym for Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino
(Italian Automobile Factory of Turin), and it also means "let there
be" in Latin. Fiat was also an aircraft manufacturer at one time. Fiat
branded cars are constructed all around the world besides Italy, the
biggest industry of the company outside Italy is in Brazil, also
has factories in Poland
and Argentina.
Joint Venture productions in France,
Turkey,
Egypt
(with the state owned Nasr car company), South Africa, India and China.
Giovanni Agnelli founded Fiat in 1899 with several investors and
led the company until his death in 1945, while Vittorio Valletta administered
the day-to-day activities of the company. In 1903, Fiat produced its first
truck. In 1908, the first Fiat was exported to the US. That same year, the first Fiat
aircraft engine was produced. Also around the same time, Fiat taxis became
somewhat popular in Europe. By 1910, Fiat was
the largest automotive company in Italy — a position it has retained
since. That same year, a plant licensed to produce Fiats in Poughkeepsie, NY,
made its first car. This was before the introduction of Ford's assembly line in
1913. Owning a Fiat at that time was a sign of distinction. A Fiat sold in the U.S. cost
between $3,600 and $8,600, compared to US$825 the Model T in 1908. However,
upon the entry of the US
into World War I in 1917, the factory was shut down as US regulations
became too burdensome. At the same time, Fiat had to devote all of its
factories to supplying the Allies with aircraft, engines, machine guns, trucks,
and ambulances. After the war, Fiat introduced its first tractor. By the early
1920s, Fiat had a market share in Italy of 80%. In 1921, workers
seized Fiat's plants and hoisted the red flag of communism over them. Agnelli
responded by quitting the company, retiring to private life, and letting the
workers try to run the company. Shortly afterward, 3,000 of them walked to his
office and asked him to return to the helm — a request to which he reluctantly
agreed. In 1922, Fiat began to build the famous Lingotto car factory — the
largest in Europe up to that time — which
opened in 1923. The roof of the factory doubled as a test- and racing track!
This is visible on the photo of this auction. It was the first Fiat factory to
use assembly lines; by 1925, Fiat controlled 87% of the Italian car market.
Fiat made military machinery and vehicles during World War II for the Army and
Regia Aeronautica and later for the Germans. Fiat made obsolete fighter
aircraft like the biplane CR.42, which was one of the most common Italian
aircraft, along with Savoia-Marchettis, as well as light tanks (obsolete
compared to their German and Soviet counterparts) and armored vehicles. The
best Fiat aircraft was the G.55 fighter, which arrived too late and in too
limited numbers. In 1945 — the year Mussolini was overthrown - the Italian
Committee of National Liberation removed the Agnelli family from leadership
roles in Fiat because of its ties to Mussolini's government. These were not
returned until 1963, when Giovanni's grandson, Gianni, took over as general
manager until 1966, as chairman until 1996.
This is a very nice and very rare non period photo that reflects
a wonderful era of FIAT and automotive history in a wonderful way. This is your rare chance to own this
photo, therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 10"
(ca. 20 x 27 cm). It makes it perfectly
suitable for framing.
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you
buy. For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on
photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright
expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our
archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well
protected in PVC clear files and board backed
envelopes.
We have
photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the
original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and
excellent quality.
After many decades
of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our
archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They
will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a
border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace,
restaurant, bar or club!
First come -
first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any
questions before the auction ends.