Description
The 1922 Fiat 510S is an exceptionally rare and desirable sporting variant of Fiat’s prestigious six-cylinder touring car, produced during a period when the marque was renowned for building large, refined and technically advanced automobiles capable of competing with Europe’s leading manufacturers. Powered by a 3.4-litre inline six-cylinder engine, the 510S featured a shorter wheelbase, distinctive V-shaped radiator and sporting enhancements that improved performance and road manners, establishing it as one of Italy’s most admired sporting cars of the early 1920s. Built in very limited numbers, with only around 400 examples believed to have been produced, the 510S is today regarded as one of Fiat’s most significant and collectible vintage-era models. It represents a key moment in the company’s evolution before it became synonymous with smaller mass-produced vehicles, combining elegant coachwork, smooth six-cylinder refinement and advanced engineering for its time. Surviving examples are now seldom seen and are highly priced by collectors, regularly appearing at prestigious concours events, veteran rallies and historic motoring gatherings where they stand as an important example of early Italian automotive excellence. ABOUT THIS CAR The restoration of this Fiat commenced represents a meticulous ground-up restoration undertaken over a period of years. Early in the project, the owner at the time was fortunate to acquire a set of original factory body drawings, which provided invaluable reference material and enabled the restoration to remain as faithful to the original factory specification as possible. As a precision engineer by trade, the owner at the time approached the project by dismantling the vehicle completely and individually inspecting every component. Each part was carefully assessed and either repaired, refurbished or replaced as required. The engine was comprehensively rebuilt, including the oil pump and water pump. The cylinder block was line-bored, the crankshaft reground, and modern bearing shells fitted to both the crankshaft and connecting rods. The same attention to detail was applied throughout the clutch, gearbox, differential and driveline components. The radiator was completely dismantled and restored with a newly manufactured core supplied by Replicore of Whangāre, New Zealand. The timber frame, which was found to be in poor condition, was largely reconstructed, and a considerable number of body panels were repaired or replaced. While specialist assistance was utilised for certain panel fabrication work, much of the metalwork and all panel welding was completed personally. All chassis and smaller component painting was carried out in-house. The body preparation and final paintwork were entrusted to Hammond Collision, whose facilities enabled a professional finish beyond what could be achieved without a dedicated spray booth. The interior timber work was completed by John Martin of Cromwell, New Zealand, a respected craftsman specialising in traditional automotive woodwork. The result is a restoration completed to a high standard while maintaining authenticity and preserving the character and engineering integrity of this rare and historically significant motor car. HISTORY: A previous owner first came into contact with this car in around 2012, so prior to that we can only supply information we have been able to glean from paperwork and other people. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only complete 510 S to come to the South Island at the time and that it was probably imported new from Italy. We have been informed that a rolling chassis was imported around the same time, and that Adams of Christchurch manufactured a local body for it. (This car has a factory body). This car was purchased as a partially restored car and parts from the estate of Paul Geisler in 2012. As part of that purchase came some paperwork, which we have with the car. It would seem from that paperwork that Mr Geisler had owned the unrestored car for many years. The story we were told was that Mr Geisler purchased the rolling chassis and mechanicals from a swap meet down south somewhere near or in Cromwell) around the late 1960’s and that the modified body was later found on a different car. SPECIFICATIONS Engine: 3,446cc inline six-cylinder, side-valve Power: Approximately 53 bhp Transmission: 4-speed manual Drive: Rear-wheel drive Wheelbase: Approx. 3,100mm (short-wheelbase sporting chassis) Brakes: Rear-wheel mechanical brakes Top Speed: Approximately 100 km/h (62 mph) Body Style: Typically Torpedo touring body (coachbuilt variations also produced) Seating: 4 to 5 passengers Fuel System: Carburettor Electrical System: Magneto ignition The 510S was distinguished from the standard Fiat 510 by its shorter chassis, higher-performance engine tuning, and distinctive V-shaped radiator and windscreen, giving it a noticeably sportier appearance and driving character. For its era, it offered an impressive combination of performance, refinement and long-distance touring capability. MARKET REVIEW The 1922 Fiat 510S is a highly sought-after early sporting Fiat, and values reflect its rarity, provenance, and quality of restoration. With only around 400 examples produced, surviving cars are seldom offered on the open market, and values can vary significantly depending on originality, coachwork, and history. In today’s collector market, well-presented examples typically trade in the USD $100,000–$200,000+ range, while exceptional, historically important or fully restored concours-standard cars with good provenance, like this one, can exceed this when competing at major international auctions. At the top concours level, expectations are extremely high: correct mechanical specification, period-correct coachwork, accurate detailing, and sympathetic restoration quality are essential. Provenance and documentation play a major role in desirability, often outweighing cosmetic perfection alone. This 510S is particularly well regarded in veteran and pre-war circles in New Zealand, and strong example like this one, is good enough to be accepted into prestigious events such as Pebble Beach and European concours d’elegance, where rarity, authenticity, and historical significance are key drivers of both recognition and value. Enquiries are welcome, and viewing is encouraged to fully appreciate the presence, condition, and character of this iconic Fiat in person. Will be sold WOF'd and Registered IF sold in New Zealand. Transport / Worldwide Shipping can be organised for Buyer's behalf at Buyer's cost. Viewing is Monday to Friday By Appointment Only! PLEASE READ: The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Classic Cars as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak.