1907 Fiat F-2 Grand Prix Race Car

In 1907, the Fiat 130 h.p. race car, driven by Felice Navarro, managed to win the French Grand Prix, the Targa Florio, and the Kaiserpreis.  This unprecedented

string of victories established Fiat as a major contender among world manufacturers.  They offered racers in various sizes, from 40 h.p to the gargantuan racer

known as Mephistopholes with its 28 liter engine.  In these early days of competition, the cars where characterized by their brass trim, the size of their engines (in this

case 16 liters) and the sheer courage of their pilots.

Ths enormous piece of machinery is the four-speed transmission with it provision for

chain drive to each rear wheel and foot-operated brake on the input shaft.

In these early days of the automobile, there were no auto parts as such.  Here a traditional

T-fitting as would be used on a steam engine or on home plumbing is being scratch built to

accomodate the return of coolant to the radiator.

The Elves are building two of these monsters at one time, so the fabrication of the

compound steering columns looks more complex than it is.  One lever at the steering

wheel controlled the magneto, and one adjusted the carburetor.   Nowadays we are

talking about autonomous cars where the driving is left to technology; in the early

days of motoring, the driver not only steered the car but also managed the ignition and the

fueil system.  This system lasted fifty years.  Who knows how long autonomous cars will last.

Models may end up being the only tangible record of the driver managing these simple tasks.

For some builders, these ornery chains may be the equivalent of the wire wheels in

the other Pocher classic kits.  More than one Pocher Fiat may have been sent into the world

without its chains.

This gives a good idea of the origin on the term 'bucket seat', and it looks as if it would be

right at home in a Victorian gentleman's sitting room.

Model Motorcar Ltd. rocker arms make a big difference on the engine;  squeaky clean

engine distinguishes the factory fresh racer.

White tires, tan gaiters, distinguish the factory fresh car from the used racer.

Worn high-speed tires,  black gaiters , reversed spring eyes, and subtle signs of

wear and tear distinguish the winner of the Kaiserpreiss, Targa Florio, and French Grand

Prix of 1907.  Felice Navarro was the winning driver for all three races.

A winning pair.