Fiat, 1924, 501 S Superculasse Silvani

Italian Engineering and Sporting Spirit - In the post-World War I years, the Fiat 501 established itself as one of the most reliable and widespread cars in Italy. Solid, simple, and well-built, it also served as an ideal base for sporting modifications. One of the most renowned transformations was created by Milanese tuner Eugenio Silvani, who revolutionized the 501’s mechanics with the introduction of a special cylinder head: the “Superculasse Silvani.”
A Racing Cylinder Head - Silvani’s innovation involved converting the original side-valve configuration to an overhead valve setup—an advanced solution for its time. The Superculasse was sold as a kit, complete with all the necessary parts for installation: gaskets, manifolds, and pushrods. The process was so straightforward that many enthusiasts could install it themselves at home. The result? Increased power, improved acceleration, and smoother driving—without compromising the 501’s legendary durability. The transformation was so radical that, according to contemporary accounts, the once modest 501 became a surprisingly lively and quick car, far from the image of a humble utility vehicle.
From Italy to India for a Maharajah - The 501 S in the Museo Nicolis was ordered by Fiat agents in Bombay for the Maharajah of Patiala. The choice of the “Silvani” version was no coincidence: the Maharajah was looking for a Western car that could tackle the rough terrain of the Punjab with both elegance and reliability. With its larger dimensions and higher ground clearance compared to standard 501s, it was perfectly suited for unpaved roads and extreme conditions. In the 1970s, the car’s bodywork was faithfully restored, preserving its sporty spirit. Today, its tall and slender silhouette tells a story that blends Turin engineering, artisanal ingenuity, and international refinement.

At the Museo Nicolis, we preserve a vintage poster proudly proclaiming: FIAT breaks all world records for endurance and distance.
"On November 8, 1925, on the Monza racetrack, a stock FIAT 501 fitted with a Silvani cylinder head, Pirelli tires, and Marelli magneto successfully completed the authorized and officially monitored 6-day endurance trial, under the supervision of the Sports Commission of the Automobile Club of Italy.
Driven in shifts by Silvani and three other drivers, the car had, by the end of the 144th hour, covered over 11,300 kilometers at an average speed of 78.1 km/h—surpassing the previous record set by another brand at the Miramas circuit (10,434.470 km at an average of 72.461 km/h). After completing the 6-day trial, the FIAT 501 continued running until it reached 11,500 kilometers!
These were covered at an average speed of 79 km/h, breaking all world records for endurance and distance and proving itself the safest, most durable, and fastest automobile in the world."