1906 FIAT BREVETTI COUPÉ DE VILLE Coachwork by Carrozzeria Italiana Cesare Sala, Milan

1906 FIAT BREVETTI COUPÉ DE VILLE
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Italiana Cesare Sala, Milan

Chassis No. 788
Coachwork No. 5699
Location: Siena, Tuscany, Italy


AN EXCEPTIONALLY ORIGINAL SURVIVING FIAT BREVETTI

Offered for sale is this exceptionally rare 1906 FIAT Brevetti, chassis no. 788, featuring distinguished Coupé de Ville coachwork by the renowned Milanese coachbuilder Carrozzeria Italiana Cesare Sala, coachwork no. 5699.

Produced during a formative period in FIAT’s history, the Brevetti originated from FIAT’s involvement with and subsequent acquisition of the Ansaldi company of Turin. Introduced as the FIAT-Ansaldi 10–12 HP and subsequently known as the Brevetti, the model represented an important stage in the transition from the motorised carriage to the modern motor car.

This particular example is remarkable for retaining both its original chassis and its original Cesare Sala coachwork. Its unusually complete period fittings, highly preserved passenger compartment and operational condition make it a particularly significant early FIAT.

IDENTIFICATION AND COACHWORK

The car retains two important identification plates:

• Original FIAT chassis plate no. 788, mounted on the mahogany bulkhead. This is the early “Alba” design, featuring the rising-sun and laurel-wreath motif.

• Original Cesare Sala coachbuilder’s plate no. 5699, displaying the Royal Crown of Savoy and corresponding to the style used during the 1905–1908 period.

Both plates appear period-correct, and their respective numbers are consistent with a mid-1906 date. Together, they provide compelling evidence that the chassis and coachwork have remained associated since the car was originally constructed.

CESARE SALA COUPÉ DE VILLE COACHWORK

The formal Coupé de Ville configuration reflects the prestigious clientele for whom this automobile was created. The chauffeur occupies the open forward driving position, while passengers are accommodated in a luxuriously appointed enclosed rear compartment.

Carrozzeria Italiana Cesare Sala was among the most respected Italian coachbuilders of its era and held a Royal Warrant. The survival of such early coachwork with its original fittings and interior is particularly uncommon.

HISTORY

The FIAT is understood to have been manufactured in mid-1906 and fitted from new with its Cesare Sala Coupé de Ville coachwork.

It is believed to have been exported to Argentina approximately between 1910 and 1912. The dry South American climate contributed to the preservation of the original ash-framed body structure.

Rediscovered during the 1970s, the car was subsequently repatriated to the United Kingdom, where it was associated with participation in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.

It is now preserved in Siena, Tuscany, Italy.

CONDITION AND RESTORATION

The automobile has undergone a sympathetic restoration intended to preserve its historical integrity, original construction and period appearance.

Traditional oil-based synthetic paint was employed in keeping with the methods used during the early twentieth century. Particular care was taken to preserve the original coachwork lines and the surviving body structure rather than substantially altering or modernising the car.

The mechanical components have been professionally rebuilt, and the car is presented in running and driving condition. It starts, operates and drives, making it considerably more than a static display piece.

MECHANICAL SPECIFICATION

• Four-cylinder, twin-block petrol engine
• Approximately 3,052 cc
• Side-valve configuration
• Low-tension magneto ignition
• Water cooling with honeycomb radiator
• Four-speed manual gearbox with reverse
• Cardan Shft drive
• Semi-elliptical leaf-spring suspension
• Hand-operated rear-wheel brake
• Foot-operated transmission brake
• Wooden-spoke wheels

The car retains numerous important original mechanical components and fittings, including:

• Copper water manifold
• Bronze carburettor
• Low-tension magneto
• Brass fan pulley mounted on the mahogany bulkhead
• Brass oil pump and pressure gauge

ORIGINAL PERIOD FEATURES

A remarkable number of the car’s early fittings remain in place, including:

• Large brass acetylene headlamps
• Original brass handles and body fittings
• Pyramid-pattern rubber flooring with brass edging
• Mahogany storage drawers beneath the front seat
• Extensive original brass and copper detailing

EXCEPTIONALLY PRESERVED PASSENGER COMPARTMENT

The enclosed rear compartment is arguably the most exceptional aspect of the automobile. It survives as a genuine period time capsule and retains its original interior trim and fittings.

These include:

• Original buttoned velvet upholstery
• Original gold passementerie and decorative trimming
• Original speaking tube and tassel for communication with the chauffeur
• Original etched-glass interior lamp
• Original wool carpeting
• Original mahogany detailing

The preservation of such an early formal motor-car interior is exceptionally rare and gives the car a character and historical authenticity that would be extremely difficult to reproduce through restoration.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Manufactured from 1905 to 1908, the Brevetti occupies an important position in the early development of FIAT. Approximately 1,500 examples are commonly believed to have been produced, although surviving cars are now exceptionally scarce.

The model combined advanced engineering with bespoke coachwork and was intended for wealthy private clients at a time when the motor car was becoming a practical alternative to the horse-drawn carriage.

This car’s combination of an early FIAT chassis, prestigious Cesare Sala coachwork, original identification plates, highly preserved passenger compartment and running mechanical condition makes it an important opportunity for a collector of pioneering European automobiles.

DOCUMENTATION AND ELIGIBILITY

The automobile may be suitable for major international concours and historic motoring events.

As a 1906 vehicle, it may also qualify for the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, subject to formal dating and acceptance by the event organisers and the relevant dating authorities.

ASI and FIVA certification may also be obtainable, subject to inspection and approval by the respective organisations.

VIEWING AND FURTHER INFORMATION

The car is located in Siena, Tuscany, Italy.

Inspection is welcomed and available by prior appointment. Additional photographs, videos, mechanical information and supporting documentation can be provided to genuinely interested parties.

Worldwide transport and shipping assistance may be arranged upon request.