1912 Fiat Racer

This Fiat race car, like its contemporaries, was a monster. With its four-cylinder engine displacing 589 cubic-inches, it was immensely powerful. Wooden-spoked wheels and chain drive completed the drive train. Because contemporary rules required a riding mechanic for all races, the car was designed as a two-seater, complete with leather covers on each side of the cockpit. The driver had a hand-pumped horn as well as a hand-actuated lubrication pump for the suspension and steering gear. Front fenders were fitted to protect the driver and mechanic from flying debris on the mostly unpaved tracks of the day. Two spare wheels were carried, and it was not unusual for both to be used during the course of a race. This car was driven to second place in the 1912 Indianapolis 500-mile race by Teddy Tetzlaff. His average speed for the 500 miles was 76.6 mph.