Itala 51 S Torpedo Bertone

The Itala 51 Sport Torpedo by Carrozzeria Bertone, built circa 1923, represents a refined example of early 1920s Italian sporting design paired with artisanal coachwork. Based on the Itala Type 51 chassis, this vehicle was powered by a four-cylinder monobloc engine with a displacement of 2,813 cubic centimetres. The engine featured a bore and stroke of 83 x 130 mm and delivered approximately 50 to 53 horsepower. This mechanical configuration allowed the car to reach a top speed of approximately 100 km/h, placing it among the more competitive touring sports cars of its time. The Itala 51 series, introduced in the early post-war period, was a continuation of Itala’s tradition in producing reliable, high-performance touring cars. The Type 51 chassis featured a ladder-type frame, leaf spring suspension on both front and rear axles, and drum brakes, mechanical in actuation, on all four wheels. Power was transmitted to the rear axle via a conventional multi-speed manual gearbox. These mechanical traits were consistent with the prevailing engineering standards of the early 1920s and reflected the brand’s focus on mechanical robustness and versatility. The coachwork for this example was executed by Carrozzeria Bertone, which had been established in 1912 in Turin by Giovanni Bertone. At the time, the firm was still developing its design identity, and the Itala 51 Sport represents one of its earliest known commissions on a non-Fiat chassis. The torpedo body configuration provided open four-passenger accommodation with flowing lines, a long bonnet, and a tapered tail, often referred to as “boat-tail.” The result was a lightweight and aerodynamically informed silhouette that combined elegance with practicality. The precise production numbers of the Type 51 Sport are not definitively recorded, though Itala output during this period was limited, and coachbuilt examples by Bertone were likely unique or produced in very small quantities. This particular model demonstrates the early synergy between Italian engineering and coachbuilding artistry, reflecting the transitional moment in automotive history when manufacturers and carrozzerie began to prioritize style alongside mechanical performance. Today, surviving examples are rare and represent a formative chapter in Italy’s prewar automotive heritage.