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FIAT History, Vol. 12 - The Fiat 2800

Tazilon Brenner | Published on 4/25/2025

FIAT HISTORY, Vol. 12

The Fiat 2800

A caveat up front: When researching this vehicle, I came across conflicting production numbers, conflicting model names, and more. What I present here is the truth as I can best discern it.

By the time FIAT produced the 500 Topolino in the 1930s, the marque had become synonymous with small family cars. At the same time, in pre-war Germany, Mercedes-Benz was providing luxurious vehicles to transport Germany's leaders. Benito Mussolini, who was both a notorious petrolhead and vain, as well, voluntold Fiat to make a comparable car for Italy's elite.

Such an important tasking went directly to Dante Giacosa, Fiat's best designer on that era. He proposed a large vehicle with a transverse, rear mounted engine. This idea was shot down by Fiat's Board of Directors. Giacosa then responded by producing a more conventional limo-type car with a front mounted 2.8L inline 6 capable of produciung 85hp and reaching speeds up to 81 mph. Considering the 2800 tipped the scales at about 4,090 pounds, 81 mph wasn't a bad number.

In reality, top speed didn't really matter. These cars were used for parades and showing off Italian status and style. The 4 speed manual transmission was synchroized in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gears. The goal was a smooth, elegant ride at slower speeds.

Three basic models were made: the Saloon, the Torpedo Reale (Royal Torpedo), and the CMC. However, many of the Italian coach builders also got into the act. PininFarina, Ghia, Bertone, Viotti, and others all created their own versions of the 2800.

All told, 624 copies were produced from 1938 to 1944. Some sites say 621; others say 625. Most use the 624 number.

Of those ~624 vehicles, the Saloon was the most common. The CMC miltary version was the second most common with 210 rolling out of the factory. The Torpedo Reale was made in limited numbers; either 6, 7, or 12 depending on the source.

All models had amenities such as headlight blinkers and self cancelling turn signals. Their interiors were adorned in Italian leather and wood grain dashes. The cars had self adjusting brakes and weighted steering.

2800 Saloon

The Saloon versions were hard tops. When ordered by the Italian government to specific limousine standards, the Saloons were called Ministeriales. About 288 of these versions were made. They were used to transport both Italian and foreign dignitaries. They could seat 7 passengers (5 fixed seats, 2 folding seats) on their 126" wheelbase (compare to the much shorter 68.11" wheelbase of Giacosa's previous design, the Topolino).

2800 CMC

210 versions of the military 2800 Corta Militare Coloniale (CMC) were produced. Used as staff cars by high ranking officers, the CMC version had a shorter wheelbase, reinforced chassis, larger tires, and a more spartan interior than did the Saloons.

2800 Torpedo Reale

While most sites claim only 6 of these best of the best 2800s were produced, others claim 12 were made. Another site claims 7 were made. No matter whether the exact number is 6, 7 or 12, all Torpedos were made in 1938. They were delivered just in time for the parade Mussolini held for Hitler's visit to Italy. Mercedes-Benz be damned - look at what we Italians can make!

Torpedos were used by the highest levels of Italian government. They had 6 seats and, unlike the hard top saloons, were cabriolets. Over the years, they were used to transport such digintaries as Il Duce himself, Prince Umberto II, Adolf Hitler, Emperor Hirohito, Evita Peron, Francisco Franco, Harry Truman, Charles de Gaulle, King Vittorio Emanuele III, Pope Pius XII, and the first 4 heads of the Italian state following World War II.

They continued their service to the highest echelons of Italian government all the way into the 1960s. Because of their history, 2800s are still sometimes used today for parades and important dignitaries. You have probably seen one from time to time on TV without even realizing it.

Interestingly, 6 of these parade cars were named after horses in the stable of the Royal Italian family: Augustale, Auspicale, Amicale, Alceste, Admento and Alcinoo. Of these, Alcinoo was the most famous. Alcinoo started off being Prince Umbertos personal car before becoming Mussolini's car from 1940-1943.

While Fiat chose to stick with smaller, more family oriented vehicles following WWII, the Fiat 2800 stands as a shining example of what Fiat could produce when tasked to create a luxury car capable of competing with the best from the Germany.

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