FIAT factory racer 1909 Hackettstown Endurance Run photo photograph

Description

A superb and rare photo of the famous Italian
FIAT
car factory racing car.
Fiat
is an Italian automobile manufacturer which was founded in 1899 by a group of investors including Giovanni Agnelli, the company name FIAT is an acronym for
Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino
(Italian Automobile Factory of Turin), and it also means "let there be" in Latin. Fiat was also an aircraft manufacturer at one time. Fiat branded cars are constructed all around the world besides
Italy
, the biggest industry of the company outside
Italy
is in
Brazil
, also has factories in
Poland
and
Argentina
. Joint Venture productions in
France
,
Turkey
,
Egypt
(with the state owned Nasr car company),
South Africa
,
India
and
China
.
Giovanni Agnelli
founded Fiat in
1899
with several investors and led the company until his death in 1945, while Vittorio Valletta administered the day-to-day activities of the company. In 1903, Fiat produced its first truck. In 1908, the first Fiat was exported to the
US
. That same year, the first Fiat aircraft engine was produced. Also around the same time, Fiat taxis became somewhat popular in
Europe
. By 1910, Fiat was the largest automotive company in
Italy
— a position it has retained since. That same year, a plant licensed to produce Fiats in
Poughkeepsie
,
NY
, made its first car. This was before the introduction of Ford's assembly line in 1913. Owning a Fiat at that time was a sign of distinction. A Fiat sold in the
U.S.
cost between ,600 and ,600, compared to US5 the Model T in 1908. However, upon the entry of the
US
into World War I in 1917, the factory was shut down as
US
regulations became too burdensome. At the same time, Fiat had to devote all of its factories to supplying the Allies with aircraft, engines, machine guns, trucks, and ambulances. After the war, Fiat introduced its first tractor. By the early 1920s, Fiat had a market share in
Italy
of 80%. In 1921, workers seized Fiat's plants and hoisted the red flag of communism over them. Agnelli responded by quitting the company, retiring to private life, and letting the workers try to run the company. Shortly afterward, 3,000 of them walked to his office and asked him to return to the helm — a request to which he reluctantly agreed. In 1922, Fiat began to build the famous Lingotto car factory — the largest in
Europe
up to that time — which opened in 1923. The roof of the factory doubled as a test- and racing track! This is visible on the photo of this auction. It was the first Fiat factory to use assembly lines; by 1925, Fiat controlled 87% of the Italian car market. Fiat made military machinery and vehicles during World War II for the Army and Regia Aeronautica and later for the Germans. Fiat made obsolete fighter aircraft like the biplane CR.42, which was one of the most common Italian aircraft, along with Savoia-Marchettis, as well as light tanks (obsolete compared to their German and Soviet counterparts) and armored vehicles. The best Fiat aircraft was the G.55 fighter, which arrived too late and in too limited numbers. In 1945 — the year Mussolini was overthrown - the Italian Committee of National Liberation removed the Agnelli family from leadership roles in Fiat because of its ties to Mussolini's government. These were not returned until 1963, when Giovanni's grandson, Gianni, took over as general manager until 1966, as chairman until 1996.
This is a very nice and very rare
non period
photo that reflects a wonderful era of FIAT and automotive history in a wonderful way.  This is your rare chance to own this photo, therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 11" (ca. 20 x 27 cm).  It makes it perfectly suitable for framing.
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy.   For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files
and board backed envelopes.
We have photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and excellent quality.
After many decades of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.