The Fiat S61 Corsa that grabbed second place in the 1912 Indy 500, driven by renowned American road racers Teddy Tetzlaff and Caleb Bragg.
The Fiat S61 is a two-seater built in 1910 for the American market, from the Italian car manufactorer Fiat. It followed up on the remarkable 'Beast of Turin', the S76, a huge car from Fiat that was better known than this model, but this model certainly is interesting and deserves it plaudits. It was not unsuccesful in the motorsport of the day. Like a true Italian, it wasn't easy to tame, but very rewarding to drive in the right hands.
Technical[]
Fiat S61 Corsa, Front View
- Engine: 10-litre 4-cylinder in-line, 289 CU, 4 valves per cylinder, double overhead camshaft
- Power: 115-125 hp
- Top speed: 160 kph
- Transmission: 4-speed
- Powertrain: Rear wheel drive
- Brakes: Real wheel drums, band brake on crankshaft
- Bodywork: Aluminum
Motorsport[]
Race Career[]
| Race | Date | Driver | Position | Background and details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1911 - Indy 500 | Tuesday, May 30 | David Bruce Brown | 3rd | |
| 1911 - French GP | July 23th | Victor Hémery | 1st | |
| 1912 - Santa Monica Race
Dick Ferris Trophy |
May 4 | Teddy Tetzlaff | 1st | |
| Caleb Bragg | 2nd | |||
| 1912 - Indy 500 | May 30 | Teddy Tezlaff | 2nd | Started in 3rd place on the Center, started well and led the first two laps, then overtaken by dominant leader Ralpha Dalma in the Mercedes, who retired after a misfire on lap 197 |
| 1912 - American GP
at Milauwkee |
October 5 | Caleb Bragg | 1st | |
In modern day[]
The Fiat S61 that won the American GP in 1912
One S61 Corsa still runs today, after being thouroughly restored. They're even racing with it. The S61 Corsa that won the 1912 American GP at Milauwkee was restored and kept completely original, after spending 60 years in Fiats warehouses. Roberto Giolito, the Head of FCA Heritage, found its chassis in Mirafiori in 2008 with body parts missing, and engine stored in 4 cases. With much difficulty, as he says so himself, they have managed to put it together again. He has since taken good care of it with his team, without erasing the traces that are left that marks the history of this fantastic machine. So it's not in new condition, to keep the antique flair it possesses.
"The Fiat S61 is the progenitor of racing cars The forerunner of many Formula 1 cars that have been derived from this car of great presence."~ Roberto Giolito, Head of FCA Heritage
Bright red Fiat S61 Corsa
