120 year old Fiat to headline London to Brighton Run

At 120 years old, Fiat is one of the oldest car companies in the world. It will celebrate by headlining the prestigious Bonhams London to Brighton Car Run on November 3rd with a rare Fiat 3½ hp produced in 1899.

The Italian marque will be the official sponsor of the run, an event organised by the Royal Automobile Club. Only brands with a history that dates back to the pioneering period of the automobile (before 1905), are invited as title sponsors. As always, around 400+ vehicles are expected to participate in the famous event, creating quite an amazing sight (and sounds).

• Buy a stunning A2 or A3 print featuring the South African special, Fiat 131 2000 Racing, here

The Fiat that will be the centre of attention is an 1899 3½ hp model. With a 697cc dual horizontal cylinder engine and 3-gear shift (with no reverse), it can reach a maximum speed of about 34kph and has a claimed fuel consumption of 6.7L/100km. Rather don't ask about emissions...

The Fiat has seating for 2 adults, and 2 kids (seated facing the adults).

The run takes participants on a nearly 100km drive between Hyde Park in London and Madeira Drive in Brighton. Fiat is collaborating with the National Automobile Museum in Beaulieu to get this 120 year-old Fiat fired up for the run.

That said, the Fiat 3½ hp is owned by FCA UK and is part of a permanent exhibition on show at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu. It can seat 2 adults and 2 children, sitting facing the driver in a vis-à-vis configuration. 

120 years old but ready for a dice!