FIAT 805 – year 1923

Fiat SpA, Turin, Italy.

The Italian Grand Prix race in Monza in 1923 of the year was announced as the European Grand Prix. Since this year, this name was used to describe the most important Grand Prix race, usually gathering the entire European elite of players. The FIAT company prepared for the races held in Italy very carefully. Witting rotary wing compressors prone to failure, used for the first time in Fiat cars 805 w ACF Grand Prix, replaced by Roots compressors. Characteristic high, the metallic sound of these compressors from a distance heralded the approach of these cars driving in the lead, and led by famous players: border, Nazzaro i Salamano. The Bordino floor was marked by a heroic feat, scoring a track record with speed 158 km / h and leading in the first half of the race with a broken arm (a mechanic handled the gear change). The winner was Carlo Salamano with an average speed 146,502 km / h in time 5:27:38. Felice Nazzaro finished the race second.

Fiat 805 was equipped with a regular one, eight-cylinder bore engine 60 mm and piston stroke 87,5 mm, so that the total capacity - 1979 cm3 - complies with applicable regulations. Engine power, amounting initially (Witting compressor) 95,6 kW (130 KM) by 5500 RPM, increased thanks to the use of the Roots compressor do 110,3 kW (150 KM) at the same speed. The compressor was placed in front of the carburetor, into which he forced air under pressure 50 kPa. Two camshafts controlled the hanging valves in the cylinder head. The equipment also included a high-voltage ignition magnet, water pump and pressure lubrication system. Power was transferred via a multi-plate clutch and four-speed gearbox to the universal drive shaft and rigid rear axle. The car had leaf springs, friction shock absorbers and Rudge-Whitworth wheels. A mechanical, assisted foot brake acted on all wheels. The handbrake only acted on the rear wheels. The car with the steel frame had a mass 680 kg, close to the legal limit. It reached the maximum speed 198 km/h. After many successes of this car, the company's decision is incomprehensible, which limited its participation in races, starting for the last time in the Grand Prix races in 1927 year.