07.11.2017

The 1899 Fiat 3 ½ hp is the oldest Fiat in the UK and it took to the roads as part of the annual London to Brighton Veteran car run on Sunday 5th November.

2017 marks 121 years since the inaugural London to Brighton run and to celebrate the occasion the iconic Fiat 3 ½ hp was withdrawn from the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu for the day to take part in the notorious heritage 60-mile drive from Hyde Park in London to Madeira Drive in Brighton.

Founded by a group of Turin investors in July 1899, Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (FIAT) began car production via assembly in a temporary factory. They also collaborated with a bicycle manufacturer that had a prototype car called the ‘Welleyes’, hence the first dozen or so cars manufactured by Fiat in 1899 derived from this prototype producing the 1899 Fiat 3 ½ hp with a top speed record of 21mph.

On Saturday 4th November, Regent Street Motor Show also marked the 60th anniversary of the Fiat 500 with a special display staged by the Fiat 500 Club. It depicted the evolution of the original supermini and showcased rare models, the Giardiniera estate and the 500 saloon.

For further information on the FCA Heritage, visit: www.fcaheritage.com.

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