Fiat 509A – Weymann-bodied saloon

Technical Specifications

• Mark & Model: Fiat 509A – Weymann-bodied saloon
• Year: 1929
• Registration plate: Jersey registered
• Chassis Number: 161946
• Engine Number: 161946 50929
• Engine Capacity: 990 cc (9 HP)
• Transmission: 3-speed Manual
• Mileage: 34 kms (recorded)
• Body style: 4-door Saloon
• Interior color: Beige
• Exterior color: Black
• Seating capacity: 4
• Wheels and Tyres: Original artillery wheels

Overall Comments

The Fiat 509 has earned its place in motoring history, being the company’s first mass-market, affordable family ‘runabout’ that was both well-equipped and mechanically advanced with an overhead camshaft and shaft drive. This example offers the opportunity to sample motoring from a bygone era but remains perfectly drivable today – albeit at a more relaxed pace. The Fiat is currently Jersey registered and we can assist or advise with (international) shipping and importation processes if required.

History

When shown at the 1924 Paris Motor Show, the Fiat 509 represented the manufacturers first attempt at producing a car for ‘the masses’ – given that in the mid-Twenties, cars were still very much designed for the wealthy. Naturally, in order to keep the purchase cost down, it was both physically smaller and had a smaller engine than the larger Fiat models from which it took design cues, but it was still capable of transporting 4 adults in adequate comfort.

Also unusually for the time, when most manufacturers produced cars as a rolling chassis and separate coachbuilders provided bespoke bodywork, Fiat decided to produce complete vehicles fitted with their own bodywork. The 509 was offered in a variety of guises during its lifetime – 2 and 4 door saloons; convertibles; 2-door roadster; station wagon and even a taxi landau. The uprated 509A model appeared in 1926 – with mechanical improvements – and the car had competition success in the 1928 Monte Carlo Rally.

Production ran until 1929, by which time it is believed around 90,000 509s had been built.

This right-hand drive Fiat 509A was manufactured in 1929 and fitted with the most expensive bodywork option – the Weymann saloon. This comprised a waterproofed fabric body fitted over a wooden frame – a popular option in the period and used under licence from its designer Charles Weymann by many manufacturers and coachbuilders. Its advantages were its light weight and good soundproofing.

We have no early history for the vehicle until 1974, when an MOT certificate from May of that year indicates a recorded mileage of 0001, from which we deduce that at very least a new or reconditioned instrument had been fitted and quite possibly, significant renovation works had been completed. In 1998 it was acquired by a Jersey resident and re-registered in the island. In use for only a few years, it was taken off the road in 2004 and kept in storage until 2023 when we acquired the vehicle.

Body

The 4-door fabric saloon body is intact but well patinated. Similarly, the paintwork and brightwork reflect the car’s vintage status. Modern style indicators and rear lights have been fitted to make the vehicle usable in today’s traffic conditions.

Mechanical

Mechanically advanced for the period, the engine is just 990cc but employs a single overhead camshaft and 12 Volt electrics. It is fitted with a 3-speed gearbox and shaft drive to the rear wheels. Rated at 9 HP under the UK RAC scheme, the vehicle was considered to offer sprightly performance in its day. We have undertaken mechanical work on the car, including the fitment of a replacement carburettor, to ensure it runs and drives just as it should (the braking system has also been overhauled).

Interior

The interior has been re-upholstered – new carpet fitted and the seats recovered in beige corduroy. Whilst the cloth headlining and door cards have also been renewed, they are showing some signs of moth damage. Otherwise in very presentable condition. The dashboard is intact and complete.

Asking Price

£ 12,950