1925 Fiat 501 Torpedo with Only 18,000 Km
The Fiat 501 was one of the first models produced by Fiat after World War I. Launched in 1919 and manufactured until 1926, the 501 stood out for being a reliable, economical, and accessible car, becoming a major success in Europe and other global markets.
Design & Features
The Fiat 501 was a compact car by the standards of the time, available in various body styles such as sedan, torpedo (convertible), and coupé. The 1925 model retained the classic design essence of the 1920s, with rounded shapes, prominent fenders, and large externally mounted headlights.
Key specifications include:
Engine: 1.5L (1460 cm³), inline 4-cylinder
Power Output: Approximately 23 hp
Top Speed: Around 70 km/h (43 mph)
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Brakes: Drum brakes, acting only on the rear wheels
Includes period sales literature and historical documentation.
Popularity & Impact
The Fiat 501 played a crucial role in popularizing automobiles in Italy and across Europe. It was widely used by families, taxi drivers, and even military forces. Its robustness and simple mechanics ensured longevity, and many units were later adapted for different purposes.
By 1925, nearing the end of production, the 501 was still considered modern and was competing with models from Peugeot and Citroën in France, Austin and Morris in England, and Opel in Germany.
Fiat 501 vs. Ford Model T
After World War I, while Europe was devastated and undergoing reconstruction, the United States—unscathed by direct combat—was thriving industrially. Henry Ford revolutionized the auto industry by mass-producing the Model T using assembly lines, dramatically cutting costs and making the car affordable for the American population.
Intent on expanding into Europe, Ford’s strategy quickly caught the attention of Fiat executives in Turin. The idea of American cars filling the streets of Italy and other European cities was unacceptable to the Italians.
In response, Fiat launched the 501 — a model that modernized its production processes and marked a significant shift in Italian automotive manufacturing. The Fiat 501 was one of the first models made truly accessible to the general public, allowing Italy and much of Europe to grow around vehicles made on their own continent.
Above: A period photo of the Fiat 501 with a classic Italian family on board.
Unique Details
The Fiat 501 was highly innovative for its time, featuring several upgrades over previous models and standing out among its contemporaries. One of its most distinctive features was the rounded radiator, giving the car a more modern appearance.
It came with rod-actuated rear-only brakes and a 4-speed gearbox—while most cars of that era had only three. It also featured a right-hand steering wheel and an unusual horn button placed on the driver’s side panel.
Perhaps its most extraordinary design element was its three-door configuration: on the driver’s side, where a fourth door would normally be, the car instead had a mounted spare tire, lending it a unique and elegant profile.
Only 18,000 Km from New
This car has an incredible and verifiable 18,000 original kilometers. It was imported in 1926 by Mr. Alfredo Ré, an important figure in the development of a neighborhood in São Paulo, Brazil. He represented the Ré family—owners of the historic Fazenda Ré, now known as Vila Ré.
The car was originally purchased by his father and gifted to Alfredo when he learned to drive. From then on, the vehicle remained stored in a parking garage in Vila Ré until the mid-1990s, when it was acquired by Romeu Siciliano.
Romeu had long known about the car and its owner but was never able to acquire it due to Alfredo’s deep emotional attachment. Years later, Alfredo’s brother walked into Romeu’s store, showed him photos of the car, and asked if he’d be interested in buying it. Romeu said yes—and asked why the car was being sold. That’s when he learned that Alfredo had sadly passed away.
At the time of purchase, the Fiat was entirely original — from the paint to the upholstery. Romeu’s intention was to preserve it as a historical time capsule. However, a close friend expressed great interest in fully restoring the vehicle. Romeu was initially hesitant, preferring to keep the car untouched, but ultimately agreed to sell it.
The restoration was meticulously done, preserving many original aspects. The veneered wooden dashboard remained intact, along with all original mechanical components. A remarkable detail is that all numbers match: gearbox, engine, chassis — even the hood latches share the same serial number.
After restoration, Romeu repurchased the vehicle, keeping it in his personal collection. Since its return, the car has been driven only 400 kilometers.
Award-Winning Restoration
Following its restoration, this Fiat 501 was invited to participate in the prestigious Araxá classic car event in Brazil, where it received a special recognition award presented by Fiat’s own board of directors to the Siciliano family.
Above: The original dashboard showing just 18,832 Km.
A Lasting Legacy
The Fiat 501 paved the way for later models such as the Fiat 503 and Fiat 509, helping solidify Fiat’s reputation for small, accessible vehicles. Today, well-preserved examples of the 501 are rare and highly prized by collectors and vintage car enthusiasts around the world.
