1949 Fiat 750 Topolino Patriarca Berlinetta Sport

Italy and the rest of the world was ready to return to racing after World War II came to a close. Major manufacturers mostly focused on production car offerings, leaving the motorsport work seeking out ingenious mechanics, coachbuilders, and tuners who could transform these economy cars into racing machines. Among the names was Rodolfo Patriarca, renowned for building Fiat-based racing specials.

This particular example is a 750 Berlinetta Sport built by Rodolfo Patriarca. It was the second car he built and was created for gentleman driver Sesto Leonardi. It was based on a Fiat 500 C chassis and given aluminum coachwork by Mario Faina. Power was from a tuned Giannini 750-cc engine, producing 81 bhp.

Sesto Leonardi and Agostino Prosperi drove this car in the 1950 Mille Miglia. With a recorded top speed of 157 kph, and a time of 15 hours, 55 minutes, and 40 seconds, it was one of the first car to arrive back in Brescia. It finished 24th overall and 1st in class. The car's average speed was 105.789 kph. The car helped Leonardi become Italian Champion for the 750-cc class in 1950.

This 750 Berlinetta Sport had a rather extensive racing career, lasting from 1949 through 1955, appearing in at least two appearances at the Mille Miglia. It achieved a 3rd in class at the 1950 Targa Florio and appeared at the Coppa d'Oro delle Dolomiti. It did receive damage while racing in the 1950 Coppa della Toscana.

The car had various owners in Genova before it was sent to the United States more recently.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2019