Fiat and Alfa Romeo take part in the second edition of “Uniques special ones”

Fiat Group Automobiles, with the Fiat and Alfa Romeo brands, will be taking part in the second edition of "Uniques special ones", an exclusive event presenting and showcasing cars and objects which are unique or rare because made in limited numbers or because of their historic value.

The event is organised by MAC Group and will be staged in Florence from September 2 to 4 against the picturesque backdrop of the Gherardesca Palace, Convent and Garden, that today houses the Four Seasons Hotel. The unprecedented particularity of this happening is that it is, at the same time, a concours, an exhibition and a public relations event.

The heart of the event is the six-category "Unique Cars International Concours" for One-off cars; Rare Models remaining from extremely limited productions; Prototypes; Concept & Show Cars; Famous Cars (particularly notable, for instance because owned by celebrities, winners of important championships, protagonists of spectacular events, or coaches built on the first or last chassis produced); Very Limited Edition Cars (of which less than 20 were made or remain). Once again this year, the concours panel will feature major names from the world of design, art, automotive production, culture and communications, including Lorenzo Ramaciotti, Fiat Group Chief Designer.

Taking part in the concours is the famous Mefistofele, a record-breaking car made by Sir Ernest Eldridge using a 1908 Fiat SB4 Corsa. The history of this unique model is fascinating. Sir Eldridge bought a 1908 Fiat SB4 racing car at the end of its competitive career with the aim of making a record-breaking car that would satisfy his dreams and be in keeping with the pioneering philosophy of the age. He modified the car by lengthening the chassis, using parts derived from a London bus and adding a Fiat A12 aircraft engine (the "A-12 Bis") converted to deliver 320 HP at 1800 rpm (4 carburettors and 4 distributors were added in place of the 2 magnetos). On 12 July 1924, the Mefistofele - so called due to the bangs and puffs of smoke that it emitted when beating the world speed record - burned up the long beaten earth track at the extraordinary speed of 234.980 km/h. Avvocato Giovanni Agnelli purchased the car from the heirs of Sir Eldridge in 1969 and now this unique car belongs to the Fiat historical collection and has been returned to perfect working order after a long and laborious process of restoration.

Not competing but a certain attraction will be the fascinating Alfa 8C Spider displayed in front of the Four Seasons Hotel. Derived from the Alfa 8C Competizione, this convertible Limited Edition (500 vehicles all sold) was designed by the Alfa Romeo Style Centre and is distinguished by unmistakable Italian elegance, an absolutely unique and unrepeatable style that promises the satisfaction of a sporty drive with full respect for Alfa Romeo tradition. Made completely of carbon fibre, the Alfa 8C Spider is equipped with the mighty 4.7 litre 8-cylinder engine that develops 450 HP, teamed - thanks to transaxle architecture - with a 6-speed sequential manual gearbox. It also features an excellent Brembo carbon ceramic (CCM) braking system. This solution ensures powerful and effective braking even under heavy use and further reduces unsprung weight, improving the dynamic vehicle control and driving comfort of this fantastic supercar.

By taking part in "Uniques special ones", Fiat Group Automobiles is confirming its unique place in the automotive world, a legacy made up of cars and engineers, races and engines, style and innovation that made their mark on twentieth-century technological progress and sport. As proven by the models on display in Florence, the Fiat Group cars of yesterday and today are characterised by a fascinating style capable of transmitting powerful emotions and technological sophistication always on the cutting edge, in addition to excellent handling and maximum driving pleasure.

Turin, 2 September 2011