Engineering:Fiat 28-40 HP

Short description: Grand Prix racing car manufactured by Fiat in 1906 and 1907

Fiat 28-40 HP
Fiat 28-40 HP Targa Florio Corsa
Overview
Manufacturer	Fiat
Production	1906-1910 557 units of various models
Body and chassis
Class	Grand Prix motor racing
Body style	2-door Tandem-seating racer
Layout	Front-engine design
Powertrain
Engine	7357 cc 40 HP 4-Cylinder in-line
Transmission	Manual, 4-speed Chain driven
Dimensions
Wheelbase	3210 mm (126.4 in)
Length	4420 mm (174.0 in)
Width	1750 mm (68.9 in)
|uk|Kerb|Curb}} weight	1200 kg (2,645.5 lbs)
Chronology
Predecessor	Fiat 24-32 HP
Successor	Fiat 15

The Fiat 28-40 HP, also known as the Fiat Targa Florio Corsa, is a Grand Prix racing car manufactured by Fiat in 1906 and 1907. From 1907 through 1910, the design evolved into commercial production vehicles, including cars, light trucks, and buses.

Background

The Fiat 28-40 HP was developed from the Fiat 24-32 HP which was designed and manufactured in 1903. The redesign included lightening the frame, increasing the power of the engine, and incorporating a water-cooled brake system to address overheating issues.

The design was begun as a race car and won several races in 1906 and 1907. A total of five cars were built to this purpose. The manufacturer then expanded the line to include passenger cars as sedans and coupes. The sturdiness of the chassis, coupled with the use of proven and existing technologies, led Fiat to select it as a base for its first line of commercial light trucks and buses. The autobus version was capable of carrying 14 passengers. A total of 557 vehicles were built in various configurations.

Racing results

In 1906, Emile Mathis won the Golden Cup in the Herkomer rally, while Vincenzo Lancia won the Gold Cup in Milan. Emile Salmson won the 322-mile race between Gothenburg and Stockholm in this vehicle in 1908. This was a winter race over snow and ice-covered roads, which he completed in 23 hours, 42 minutes - more than four hours ahead of the second place vehicle.

Vincenzo Lancia in a Fiat Targa Florio of 1908

External links

• Technical description and history of the Fiat 130 HP grandprixhistory.org