SOLD
This sure seems like a bargain to me, especially with all the work that’s been completed! Reader Clarke T. is listing this vintage Fiat “Torpedo” after the unfortunate death of the owner mid-restoration. The car is located in Candia, New Hampshire and the asking price is $8,900.
Asking Price: $8,900
Location: Candia, NH
Mileage: unknown
Title Status: Clean
VIN: 223978
Seller’s Description: From Clark – Very rare and well documented 1928 Fiat 509A Torpedo with an interesting provenance. According to Fiat factory records it was originally shipped to Algiers for a David W. Mize the AMIDEAST/EGYPT Country Director in the late 1920s and early 1930s. It remained in the Middle East until it was purchased by an American physician, Dr. Terry Bennett, while he was working there in the early 1960s. Upon his return to the USA, this car along with several others were shipped to his home in New Hampshire. In 1968 Mr. Klaus Steinbrueck, also of New Hampshire, purchased the car and placed it into storage until Mr. David LeBlanc purchased the Fiat 509A in 2013. At that point, with the car still in its original untouched condition, a nut and bolt restoration was started. Now, after Mr. LeBlanc’s passing, the car is being offered for sale by his family.
Body Condition: Disassembled but very solid metal. Some wood replacement will be required.
Mechanical Condition: Currently not running but the short block components were machined and assembled. Essentially the long block is complete and the head and valve work remain to finish the motor. The frame has been restored and the wheels painted with new correct vintage style tires installed. The radiator and carb were both professionally rebuilt with receipts of over $3,000 for just those two items alone. All parts were meticulously bagged and labeled during the disassembly.
This is a seriously cool car, and looks like a wonderful project to finish. Be sure and contact Clarke if you are interested — you can use the form below. Remember, if you would like to sell your classic vehicle, you can list it with us here on Barn Finds!
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Outstanding history! If only cars could talk. Man, this thing could tell you some history. Not for me, but best of luck with the sale Clarke T.
A very original project, astoundingly sold with its original algerian registration plates 8570 AL 5 from March 1928 > http://stni.free.fr/algerie/numeros_dates/AL/
I know nothing about these types of automobiles, however considering all of the restoration work that has already been done I can’t help but think that this is a really good buy. It seems too that Clarke T. is the perfect gentleman to be representing the family in the sale of this unique automobile. All these years I believed that Ferrari was the only automobile manufacturer that furnished factory tools with their cars. Wrong!
BMW,Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Jaguar and Mercedes all came with tools from the factory
And almost all motorcycles had tool kits.
Very few of these in USA and nice vintage cars. Such things are not expensive in EU, where $15000 should buy something that is up and running.
It only took one hour and a call to Clarke T. to decide on becoming the new care-taker of this fantastic car. Yes, there are a few in the Europe to be had for twice as much, but this is special due to all the original and proper pieces, and most importantly, excellent documentation.
In a short time it will be heading west to be completed.
Ciao
Congrats on your acquisition. I too have a TIPO 509 in India. There maybe another 8 to 10 more in India. FIAT has a very successful marque sold in India in the pre-war time, and subsequently their post-war model was manufactured here.