With the 501, Fiat cemented its reputation as a manufacturer of reliable and economical cars. The success of this car was linked to the new production capacity at the Lingotto plant, which in 1923 ushered in a new era for the brand. Bodywork by Ghia & Actis, the 501 S featured an elegant ‘torpedo’ shape, which was subsequently widely imitated by coachbuilders of the time.
This particular car was donated to Carlo Biscaretti by the widow of the racing driver Mario Tangazzi, after she had read in a newspaper that the museum’s founder was seeking cars and memorabilia for his collection.