Summary

Fiat 501 Torpedo model motor car with tourer body. Built in Italy and transported to Australia in 1925. Purchased by the Museum in 1964. According to Fiat factory records the chassis and engine were built in 1925.

Some refurbishment to the body was later carried in 1969 by Martin & King, of Melbourne, together with the renewal of seat leather, electroplating and tyres, prior to the vehicle going on display in Verdon Hall at the old Swanston Street premises before the Science Museum of Victoria's centenary celebrations in September 1970. It remained on display for about 20 years before being relocated to collection storage at Scienceworks when the old Science Museum galleries at Swanston Street were closed.

Physical Description

Fitted with 23 horsepower (17 kW) straight four-cylinder side-valve 1460 cc petrol engine and four-speed manual transmission. Wheelbase 265 cm (104.3 in). Curb weight approx 1,000 kg (2,205 lb).

Significance

This vehicle is typical of the type of medium-sized motor car popular in Australia during the 1920s at a time when cars for private use were increasingly being acquired by middle-class families. At this time most motor cars sold in Australia were imported as 'knocked down' chassis and engine units that were fitted with locally-made bodies available in various styles before being sent to the distributor's showrooms.

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