The 1904 Fiat 24/32 HP Side-Entrance Tonneau is more than a motorcar, it’s living history on wheels. This incredible example of early automotive engineering has a story unlike any other, starting with love, followed by loss, and eventually, resurrection from the ground up.
A Fiat Born From Romance and Elegance
Ordered by George and Mabel Agassiz during their honeymoon in Europe, this Fiat arrived in the U.S. through Hollander & Tangeman in New York. For years, it served the family on Cape Cod, driven mostly by Mabel’s brother, Charles Simpkins. But after Charles passed away in 1931, grief turned into preservation, the car was literally buried on the family’s property.
Rescued and Reborn From the Earth
In 1942, enthusiasts discovered and exhumed the Fiat after years underground. Remarkably, it had survived intact thanks to sandy, well-drained soil. Mrs. Agassiz sold it for just $50, delighted that it would be reborn rather than forgotten. The Fiat then passed through the hands of notable collectors, including D. Cameron Peck and David Uihlein.
1904 Fiat 24/32 HP Side-Entrance Tonneau Performance
This Fiat 24/32 HP is powered by a 6.9-liter T-head four-cylinder engine, producing 32 horsepower at 1,200 rpm. That output, combined with a four-speed gearbox and dual chain drive, enabled top speeds nearing 120 km/h, a staggering figure for its time. Mechanically restored to precise standards, it remains capable of completing grueling runs like the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.
Restoration With Authentic Soul
In the 1990s, Uihlein oversaw a full restoration, including a faithful recreation of its period-correct body by craftsman Joe Silnes. That effort continued into 2018, when the car was refreshed once more with a complete cosmetic and mechanical overhaul. Today, it stands as a shining example of pre-war engineering and craftsmanship.
A Veteran Car With a Proven Track Record
This Fiat has participated in numerous London to Brighton runs, completing every event from 2007 to 2017 and again in 2021, 2023, and 2024. It also claimed Best in Class at the Hampton Court Concours in 2020, further proving that its legacy isn’t just historical, it’s still very much alive and thriving.
Summary
The 1904 Fiat 24/32 HP Side-Entrance Tonneau represents the best of the Brass Era, not just in engineering, but in spirit. With rich provenance, exceptional restoration, and an origin story almost too wild to believe, this Fiat is one of the finest surviving examples of its kind, ready for the next chapter in its extraordinary journey.
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Source & Details: rmsothbys.com
