In Turin, the collection includes luxury classics and popular vehicles, as well as racing models; Fiat 500 has a wing dedicated to it
Those planning a trip to Italy rarely include Turin in their itinerary. After all, the industrial city in the north of the country doesn't have the gondolas of Venice, nor the charm of Portofino, and is far from offering the appeal of Rome. But those who love cars won't regret planning a trip to the town where Fiat was born. It is there, at the foot of the Alps, that the National Automobile Museum is located.
It is no coincidence that the English luxury model is next to the Italian Isotta Fraschini, and has a six-cylinder engine. Photo: Hairton Ponciano/Estadão
Founded in 1932, the museum underwent a complete renovation in 2011. Currently, the building with modern architecture houses a collection of more than 200 vehicles, spread over three floors. Being almost in Fiat's “backyard”, the Italian brand occupies a large part of the collection. There is even a themed space dedicated to the new Cinquecento, launched in 2007.
Italian model was expensive and refined. Eight-cylinder engine generated 110 hp and took the car to 140 km/h. Hairton Ponciano/Estadão
But the collection is diverse and very rich. Walking around the building, you discover models from various eras and nationalities. There are examples from the 19th century, powered by steam, to contemporary sports cars, such as a Ferrari 458 Italia. In the luxury classics wing, there are models such as the Italian Isotta Fraschini 8A, from 1929, the North American Cord L-29, from 1931, and the English Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, from 1914.
In the 50s, with Europe still feeling the effects of the Second World War, several stripped-down and cheap models emerged. This was the case with the Fiat 600 (on the left), Acma Vespa (center) and Fiat 500 (on the right). Photo: Hairton Ponciano/Estadão
But the museum’s collection is not just about refinement. There is a section dedicated to motorsport, with several Formula 1 models, and also a more relaxed wing, dedicated to humor. In it, there is an Uno open at the top, as if it were a can of sardines.
This North American model from 1907 has an electric motor, powered by batteries located under the seat. It was capable of traveling at 30 km/h. Photo: Hairton Ponciano/Estadão
Entrance costs €12 (around R$54). Over 65 years old, children and teenagers (aged 6 to 18) pay €10 (R$44).
By Hairton Ponciano/State Agency
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