A superb and rare photo
of the 1908 Grand Prix showing
the Itala entry driven by Henri Fournier.
Itala was a car manufacturer based in Turin, Italy from 1904-1934, started by
Matteo Ceirano and five partners in 1903.
The Ceirano brothers,
Giovanni Battista, Giovanni, Ernesto and Matteo, were influential in the
founding of the Italian auto industry, being variously responsible for :
Ceirano; Welleyes (the technical basis of F.I.A.T.); Fratelli Ceirano; S.T.A.R.
/ Rapid (Società Torinese Automobili Rapid); SCAT (Società Ceirano Automobili
Torino); Itala and S.P.A. (Società Piemontese Automobili). Giovanni's son Giovanni
"Ernesto" was also influential, co-founding Ceirano Fabbrica
Automobili (aka Giovanni Ceirano Fabbrica Automobili) and Fabrica Anonima
Torinese Automobili (FATA).
In 1888, after eight years
apprenticeship at his father's watch-making business, Giovanni Battista started
building Welleyes bicycles, so named because English names had more
sales appeal. In October 1898 Giovanni Battista and Matteo co-founded Ceirano
GB & C and started producing the Welleyes motor car in 1899. In July
1899 the plant and patents were sold to Giovanni Agnelli and produced as the
first F.I.A.T.s - the Fiat 4 HP. Giovanni Battista was employed by Fiat as the
agent for Italy, but within a year he left to found Fratelli Ceirano & C.
which in 1903 became Società Torinese Automobili Rapid (S.T.A.R.) building cars
badged as 'Rapid'. In 1904 Matteo Ceirano left Ceirano GB & C to create his
own brand - Itala. In 1906 Matteo left Itala to found S.P.A. (Società
Piemontese Automobili) with chief designer, Alberto Ballacco. In 1906 Giovanni founded
SCAT (Società Ceirano Automobili Torino) in Turin. In 1919 Giovanni and
Giovanni "Ernesto" co-founded Ceirano Fabbrica Automobili (aka
Giovanni Ceirano Fabbrica Automobili) and in 1922 they took control of Fabrica
Anonima Torinese Automobili (FATA).
This is a very nice and very rare non period photo that reflects a
wonderful era of 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 12"
(ca. 20 x 30 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.