1907 Itala 120 HP Race Car

The Itala Grand Prix race car, while somewhat overweight and under-powered, was a reliable competitor. This car was built in the Itala factory in Torino, Italy, and was driven in Europe by Henri Fournier. He brought the car to the United Sates, and placed eighth in the U.S. Grand Prix held in Savannah, GA, in March of 1907. The name Itala was made famous in 1907 by the Peking-Paris Run. This trial, organized by a French newspaper, matched the Itala against two DeDion-Boutons, a Contel Tricycle and a Spyker. The start took place in June of 1907, and the Itala rapidly out-distanced its competitors, reaching Paris exactly two months after traveling 10,000 miles over roads, which were primitive at best, and non-existent at worst.

Displacing 14.75 liters (900 cubic-inches), this Itala was built in Torino, Italy, for Henri Fournier. After being raced successfully in Europe, it was brought to the United States where it ran in the 1908 American Grand Prix at Savannah, Georgia. Itala built very successful racing cars including the 34/45 hp model that won the 1908 Paris to Peking race by the somewhat excessive three weeks! The company became part of the Fiat Group in 1935.