SPA 23 Limousine Gran Lusso Garavini

The S.P.A. Tipo 23 Coupé de Ville was one of the last passenger cars produced by S.P.A. — Società Piemontese Automobili, the Turin manufacturer founded in 1906 by Matteo Ceirano and Michele Ansaldi. Before the First World War, S.P.A. was known for refined automobiles, racing cars, and aircraft engines. During the war, the company moved heavily into military trucks and aviation engines, becoming an important industrial supplier. After the conflict, S.P.A. attempted to return to the passenger car market with new models, including the Tipo 23, produced from 1923 to 1925. The car was powered by a 2.7-litre side-valve four-cylinder engine producing approximately 70 hp. Power was sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed gearbox and shaft drive. The example described here was ordered in 1923 by Pietro Vigo, a Turin-based haulier. Vigo commissioned Carrozzeria Garavini to build an elegant Coupé de Ville body. At the time, Garavini was one of Turin’s respected coachbuilders, producing bodies for marques such as Isotta Fraschini, Itala, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, and OM. This Tipo 23 remained with the Vigo family from 1923 until 2024. Originally acquired for private use, it was later used by the family haulage business, active since 1888. Over the decades, the car was kept in running condition while preserving its original character. It still retains its original paintwork, interior, and licence plate, with only normal wear parts replaced. After its change of ownership, further original items were found under the seats, including the replacement parts manual, owner’s manual, most of the tools, and the crank handle. Due to financial difficulties, S.P.A. came under Fiat control in 1926. Passenger car production ended, and the company returned to trucks and military vehicles. In 1947, S.P.A. was fully absorbed into the Fiat Group and the name disappeared. This Tipo 23 had never been publicly exhibited in its 103-year history before appearing at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2026. It is believed to be the only surviving example of the model series.