The oldest car at the 2022 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show

2022 marks the celebrations of many anniversaries at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show – including the Fiat Motor Club, which marks its centenary this year. On the 4th of October 1922, the UK concessionaires proudly announced the marque's victories in the French, Italian and Italian Light Car Grand Prix and issued a stern warning. Anyone considering spending £910 on a 20/30 HP Sports Torpedo should ensure it was purchased "from us or through an authorised Fiat dealer".

Naturally, 100 years of the Fiat Motor Club demands an exceptional display, so their stand at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show featured not only the oldest car at the NEC but quite possibly the newest. As the FMC’s Publicity Officer Gavin Bushby explains:

“The 1899 Fiat is one of the earliest cars built - right at the dawn of motoring history. Fiat themselves, of course, are one of the oldest manufacturers, and it's a huge privilege to have one. We believe it is the one from the Beaulieu display, which we saw complete the London/Brighton in 2019, but I can't be 100% confident - I can't believe there is more than one in the UK though.”

Three years ago, the FMC made a somewhat tongue-in-cheek request to Fiat for an 1899 car to celebrate their 120th anniversary. However, much to Gavin's surprise:

“They said, unfortunately, we could not as it was doing the London to Brighton the week before & some of their own press stuff the NEC week. However, they kindly lent us their 1926 Doctor's Coupe that year. So, as the Club is 100 this year, we tried again; I worked on the 'if you don't ask, you definitely won't get' principle. Initially it wasn't looking hopeful, but after about six months of asking, Fiat (as part of Stellantis, of course) very graciously offered to lend it to us!”

Thus, a Fiat 3½ HP, dating from the reign of King Umberto I, will grace the FMC. The top speed is slightly over 21 mph with power from a 697cc dual horizontal cylinder engine and a three-speed gearbox sans reverse. The company made just twenty-six cars between 1899 to 1900; only four have survived.

The Fiat 3 ½ HP's stardom at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show is due to the company and, of course, the efforts of Gavin and his colleagues. In his words:

“We believe we may be the oldest single-make Club in the UK, as I cannot find any older…. It is a huge honour and a huge responsibility to have one of the earliest cars ever made. We are very excited and working closely with Fiat to ensure it is kept safe. Fiat had the oldest cat at the NEC 2022 - so potentially the oldest Club with the oldest car! Yes, very excited, and I've got balloons coming out of my ears at the moment to celebrate our own anniversary…”

Joining the 1899 Fiat was the latest 500E, charting 123 years of motoring tradition, thanks to the UK's oldest car club.

With Thanks To: Gavin Bushby and Fiat Motor Club.