1904 Fiat 75 Alessio Racer

Five years after it began, Italian automaker Fiat was already racing and winning international events both in Europe and America. The 75-horsepower Corsa was entered in the 1904 Gordon Bennett Cup races, a precursor to Grand Prix racing. For Fiat, racing was essential to the rapid development of the automobile, and in that vein, they had upgraded four of its 60 HP models to 75 HP racers, but during testing, it was decided that the 10-liter displacement should be increased to 14 liters. Therefore, the four initial 75 HP 10-liter 'racers' were returned to the factory to be redressed and renamed as 75 HP 'sporting specials.' The four-cylinder 75 with an engine of just over 14-liters was capable of going over 100 mph. With overhead valves, a self-advancing magneto, an innovative multi-disc clutch, and pressurized lubrication, the 75 hp was a success in the hands of Vincenzo Lancia.

According to the American Cycle and Automobile Trade Journal of April 1904, this Fiat 75 HP Alessio Touring was one of the highest-priced motorcars in the world, at $13,500.

This Fiat 75 HP was coached with an Alessio Touring body and sold to Vincent Bendix, an American automotive entrepreneur.