A distinguished Fiat 16-20HP will take part in the 2026 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run almost a century on from its first entry in the event.
The Fiat is being entered by the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile in Turin and this car was first used in the event in 1930.
When it was new, the 16-20 was shipped to the UK to be fitted with Rothschild bodywork and was in regular use up to 1912.
Following this, the car was put into storage until it was discovered in Northamptonshire by Fiat UK in 1930 and still in good running order.
It was readied for that year’s London to Brighton Run and driven by Sir Maxwell Monson, running at an average speed of 21.27mph.
The car was partially dismantled for a complete overhaul in 1956-1957 but due to some issues with work permits for the mechanics brought in from Italy, the project was temporarily shelved.
In 1959, the Fiat was spotted in a shed at the rear of the old Fiat depot in Wembley by Michael Sedgwick, curator of the Montagu Motor Museum, and loaned to Beaulieu in 1960 for an exhibition.
In the same year, the 16-20 took part once again in the Brighton Run, driven by Maurice Smith, the editor of The Autocar, who described it as a ‘lively’ car capable of exceeding 50mph. It appeared on the Run in 1965 and in 1966, when driven by Fyffe Robertson, the well-known BBC reporter of the time.
Benedetto Camerana, Chairman of Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile, said: ‘Taking part in the Run offers us a unique opportunity to share our knowledge of automotive history with an international audience and to highlight the extensive work the Museum carries out every day to preserve, safeguard and restore historic vehicles. Participating in the London to Brighton means making a tangible contribution to the appreciation of this extraordinary heritage, keeping it alive and accessible for future generations.’
Duncan Wiltshire, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club, added: ‘Cars such as this remarkable Fiat 16-20HP are exactly what make the RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run such a unique celebration of motoring history. Its story is particularly special because it is truly Anglo-Italian – built by Fiat in Turin, brought to Britain as a chassis and bodied in London, before becoming a regular participant in the Run itself. To welcome it back to the Run is a wonderful reminder of the enduring connections between British and Italian motoring, and we are delighted that MAUTO is once again bringing such an important piece of automotive history to the event.’
Image courtesy of the Royal Automobile Club
