LOT 49

1926 Fiat 509 S Convertible Coachwork by Carrozzeria Zagato Chassis no. 509S32020566 Engine no. 109S31020372

Sold for €230,000 inc. premium

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Lot 49

1926 Fiat 509 S Convertible

MILANO|18 November 2022, 16:00 CET|Milano AutoClassica

1926 Fiat 509 S Convertible
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Zagato
Chassis no. 509S32020566
Engine no. 109S31020372

• Landmark Vintage-era Fiat
• Known ownership and registration history from new
• Restored by the current owner
• Mille Miglia Storica competitor

• Importante Fiat dell'epoca
• Estratto cronologico con tutti proprietari e targhe conosciuti
• Restaurata dal proprietario attuale
• Partecipante Mille Miglia Storica

Footnotes

FIAT's smallest-ever car when announced in October 1924 at the Paris Salon, the 509 was in essence a scaled down version of its larger siblings and thus not as small as many rival designs. It was however, exceptionally well specified, having an overhead-camshaft engine, 12-volt electrics and four-wheel brakes, advanced features not usually found on 'economy class' cars of the period. The 990cc four-cylinder engine produced 20bhp and drove via a four-speed gearbox, while the robustly built chassis featured semi-elliptic springing all round and torque tube transmission to the live rear axle. Like Austin and Morris in the UK, FIAT recognised the importance of extending car ownership to the masses; an in-house hire purchase facility was introduced to help encourage sales and within a year the 509 was Italy's best-selling car.

An early 509 road-tested by The Autocar in 1925 was said to have "A silent, vibrationless engine with plenty of power, snappy without being harsh, simple and perfectly accessible; a good clutch and a deliciously sweet gearbox; well sprung and sturdy at speed; possessing good four wheel brakes; it was hard to find any points to criticise." Glowing terms indeed!

In 1925 FIAT introduced two high-performance versions: the 509 S and 509 SM (Spinto Monza), which were followed in 1926 by the supercharged 509 SC. Intended for competition, these models usually featured two-seater boat-tailed bodywork. Maximum power output of the 509 S was 27bhp, which was good enough for a top speed of 92km/h (57mph). A design that presaged the revolutionary 500 Topolino of the 1930s, the 509 was an immense success despite being far from the cheapest in its class, selling 90,000 units before production ceased in 1929.

Right-hand drive, like all FIATs of this period, this charming 509 S convertible features lightweight sporting coachwork by Carrozzeria Zagato. Unusually, this car's entire ownership and registration history is known, commencing in 1926 when it was registered in Brescia as 'BS 1757' to its first owner, the Confederazione Nazionale Sindacati Fascisti, a trade union organisation. Since then the FIAT has been registered in Mantova, Verona, Vicenza and Milano, and is currently registered in Lucca to the current (12th) owner.

There are some photographs on file showing the previous owner, Mr Alberto Ghini, racing with the FIAT when it was painted white, and the car also comes with ASI homologation, a FIVA Passport, its green Italian libretto issued in 1972, and the all-important Mille Miglia registration.

Enzo Ferrari famously described the Mille Miglia as 'la corsa più bella del mondo' (the most beautiful race in the world) and this FIAT has been restored by the current owner to compete in this most prestigious event. The car has also been tuned and the final drive ratio lowered to improve its performance when hill-climbing. Restoration photographs are on file together with others showing the car competing in the Mille Miglia Storica. Affording the considerable advantage of an early start in the Mille Miglia, this delightful FIAT 509 S is ready to go and would be the perfect companion at any gathering of pre-war motor cars.

Please note that these lot will require an Export License to be exported out of Italy.

Saleroom notices

Please note that there is no evidence that this car competed in the Mille Miglia in period however it has competed in the Mille Miglia Storica.

Additional information

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