Itala, 1920, Tipo 50 25/35HP

Itala “Tipo 50 25/35HP”, 1920

Established by Matteo Ceirano in 1904, Itala lived its best period in the years before the Great War both for the victories achieved at races, such as the Targa Florio, and for the triumph at the famous Peking-Paris Raid with a Tipo 35/45HP driven by prince Scipione Borghese, a trial that became a legend in the automobile racing world.

At the 1911 Turin Motor Show, Itala introduced the first Italian sleeve-valve engine car (produced in several models until 1917) and during the war the comapny was forced to convert the production into war material.

One of the first model produced after the end of the war was the “Tipo 50”, designed by engineer Alberto Orasi.
By looking at the car in the museum, it can be noticed how 1920s cars began to look more modern: the electric lights replaced the carbide ones, and the brass finishing were replaced by the nickel-plated and later chromed ones.
The starting handle was not eliminated, but carefully hidden: really the starter had not yet reached a level of reliability to ensure the constant car starting.

CURIOSITY

Near Museo Nicolis there's Isola di Garda with the prestigious Villa Scipione Borghese, the historic residence of Prince Scipione Borghese.