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Fascist Leaders' Car Goes on Auction

Heil, Fiat! A 1939 Fiat Torpedo, used by the King of Italy to chauffeur Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini and General Franco around Rome during their State visits will go under hammer next week.

The car is to be auctioned on May 18, at The Espace Fontvielle, Monaco by International Auction House, COYS, and is expected to fetch more than £250,000.

The famous vehicle was delivered to the Italian Royal Court in 1939 for the personal use of the Prince of Piemonte and Countess Calvi di Bergolo. From August 1940 onwards, the car was taken to the Villa Savoia as the official car for King Vittorio Emanuele III and Queen Margherita.

From February 1, 1941, it served as the personal transport for the Princess of Pistoia, before being commandeered by the command of the open city of Rome on November 15, 1943.

Chris Routledge, the Managing Director of COYS who have their headquarters in London, said: “It is known that the car was used by Pope Pious XII, Benito Mussolini as well as his mistress Claretta Petacci and by Aldolf Hitler and General Franco when they visited Rome.

On a recent inspection the car started on the button and was remarkably easy to manoeuvre, whereas the engine remained incredibly quiet. It is presented in remarkably good unrestored condition, even the black leather seats are still the original items.

Chris Routledge added: “The example that we are offering at our sale ‘The Legende et Passion’ which takes place at the Espace Fontviewille, in Monaco on Monday May 18th is the most famous of them all. We have already had huge interest from clients around the world as well as from a number of collectors in Italy.
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