1929 Fiat 525 SS
The 525 had been around since 1928 as the successor to the large Fiat 512 or 519, but the global economic crisis already played a role in its appearance. It didn't have an in-line eight-cylinder, as originally planned, but an
enlarged six-cylinder.
It wasn't particularly successful, with around 500 cars produced. Significantly more, namely almost 1,800, were sold of the Fiat Limousine/Torpedo 525 N, with a 3,260 instead of 3,400 mm wheelbase, shorter, more
manageable and probably also more cost-effective.
The two types 'S' and 'SS' were even more successful. The latter type designation was still unburdened at the time and was later changed or avoided by all manufacturers. The performance remained the same.
And yet the 525 S was even 10 km/h faster than the original 525.
The SS had the same engine but differed in that it had a a compressor. It was preferred for racing, even more than the S version by private drivers, who could also be professionals. The sources do not agree on whether
there were also factory deployments.
Here's a view over the so-called 'mother-in-law seat' to the beautiful dashboard on the passenger side. The name was of course completely inappropriate here because the folding top also spanned this seat, which resulted
in an impossibly low height for adults. The legroom was also probably rather limited.
Anyone who ever has the opportunity to look around the Centro Storico in Turin (there is talk of closure) should take a look at the example of a 525 SS shown here. It is considered one of the most beautiful vehicles built by
Fiat up to the Second World War.
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