MM Coupe by Zagato
This is one of 8 original cars built by Zagato in the 750 MM configuration.
This car finished 4th in the 1949 Mille Miglia with the average speed of 57 miles-per-hour.
The wrap around windows were named the 'Panoramic Series' by Zagato. These models were some of the first cars Zagato introduced after the war.
Patriarca Berlinetta Sport by Farina
Chassis number: 156073
Engine number: 160288 096 2
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 Dan Vaughan
The Fiat Topolino was produced from 1937 through 1955 with nearly 520,000 constructed. The name 'Topolino' was chosen in honor of Mickey Mouse - the name 'Topolino' means 'little mouse.'
The Fiat Company, Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino, began in 1899 and was formed by Giovanni Agnelli. Very early on, the company merged with Ceirano, a bicycle maker who had switched to auto production. The first Fiat automobile was built by designer Aristide Faccioli and powered by a horizontal twin-cylinder engine that produced three horsepower. The company continued with modest success throughout the years. By the 1930s, the prosperity of the company had increased and entered into a whole new realm of popularity. A contest was arranged by Chairman Agnelli, who challenged all to create a design for a new small car that could be a suitable rival for the Porsche 'People's Car.' Oreste Lardone, Fiat's chief designer, produced an example that was powered by an air-cooled engine. On its first test drive, the vehicle caught on fire. Agnelli had been onboard during the fire and, upon exiting from the car, dismissed Lardone. Dante Giacosa was given the position and produced designs for what would become known as the Fiat 500.
There were three models produced during its production lifespan. All brought with them minor mechanical and cosmetic improvements over their predecessor. In 1955 the Fiat 500 was replaced by the rear-wheel-drive Fiat 600 and became the basis for the next generation of the Fiat 500, the 500 Nuova.
by Dan Vaughan