Fiat 12 HP
| Fiat | |
|---|---|
 Fiat 12HP
|
|
| 12 HP | |
| Production period: | 1901-1902 |
| Class : | upper middle class |
| Body versions : | Phaeton |
| Engines: |
Otto engines : 3.8 liters (10.4 kW) |
| Length: | 3270 mm |
| Width: | 1630 mm |
| Height: | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase : | 2140 mm |
| Empty weight : | 1220 kg |
| Previous model |
Fiat 8 HP Fiat 10 HP |
| successor |
Fiat 16-24 HP Fiat 24-32 HP |
The Fiat 12 HP ushered in a new era at Fiat . While the previous models Fiat 10 HP and Fiat 8 HP were still in the compact class, the 12 HP built from 1901 to 1902 now started in the upper middle class . All previous Fiat models were designed by the engineer Aristide Faccioli. Giovanni Enrico was now responsible for the construction. Giovanni Agnelli senior had succeeded in winning John Henry, who excelled with innovations in steam engines , for Fiat. Fiat aimed at the upper end of the market and the technology of the 12 HP was the first model influenced by Henry.
The repositioning of the vehicle size also included a new engine. Instead of a 1.1-liter two-cylinder, there was now a 3.8-liter four-cylinder, which at the time was only available from a few manufacturers. It was a parallel twin engine, consisting of two two-cylinder in- line engines joined together . From a displacement of 3770 cm³, 14.2 PS (10.4 kW) were generated at 1200 revolutions per minute. The drive power was transmitted to the rear wheels via a three-speed gearbox and chains. The maximum speed was 70 km / h and the consumption was 20 liters. The car cost 12,000 Italian lira for the standard Phaeton model. In addition, a specially equipped taxi was available and the respective model could be individually designed with a special structure depending on the customer's wishes. Fiat also presented a model with a trailer for the fire service and a model as a delivery truck . Both were not produced in series, but served as the basis for the first Fiat truck Fiat 24 HP .
The 12 HP was the first model that Fiat also exported - initially to France .
By the end of 1902, 106 units had been built at the Fiat Corso Dante plant in Turin. Despite the higher positioning, this was more than with the two previous models. Fiat therefore continued down the path and in 1903 introduced the Fiat 24-32 HP as a successor to the Fiat 16-24 HP in the luxury class .
Fiat 12 HP Corsa
The Fiat 6 HP was already available as a racing version Corsa with which Fiat won several races and the brand became better known. Fiat also produced a Corsa variant of the 12 HP with the 3.8 liter gasoline engine. A modified transmission to increase transmission efficiency and save weight, as well as the elimination of the rear seats, increased the top speed to 78 km / h. At the European races, Fiat replaced Panhard & Levassor as the winner, who had previously been the dominant brand.
