Fiat 522 Cabriolet Royale

Vehicle Overview

The Fiat 522 Cabriolet Royale by Carrozzerie Speciali was produced between 1931 and 1933 as a bespoke body variant of the Fiat 522 series. The Fiat 522 lineup included several chassis configurations, such as the short-wheelbase 522C, the long-wheelbase 522L, and the performance-oriented 522S. This model paired Fiat’s mechanical engineering with custom coachwork executed by Carrozzerie Speciali, Fiat’s in-house coachbuilding division led by Rodolfo Schaeffer. The vehicle was powered by a 2.5-litre inline six-cylinder side-valve engine, delivering approximately 52 horsepower in standard trim and up to 65 horsepower in the 522S variant. Power was transferred to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission with synchromesh on the upper gears. The 522 series was among the first Italian automobiles to feature a dual-circuit hydraulic braking system, improving stopping performance. The 522C could achieve a top speed of about 105 kilometres per hour, while the 522S was capable of around 115 kilometres per hour. The Torpedo body style was characterized by an open, streamlined design with flowing fenders, a tapered rear end, and a minimalist windshield. The bodywork was fabricated from lightweight materials and exemplified early 1930s automotive design trends emphasizing aerodynamic efficiency and elegance. Of the original production, only four Fiat 522 Cabriolet Royale by Carrozzerie Speciali are known to have survived. One of these was exhibited at the 1932 Concorso d’Eleganza in Stresa, a prestigious Italian automotive show highlighting luxury and bespoke vehicles. More recently, the same vehicle was displayed at the 2025 event in Mantova, reaffirming its status as a significant historical artifact. These surviving examples remain rare and valuable, representing a unique intersection of mass-produced mechanical engineering and artisanal coachbuilding. The Fiat 522 Torpedo by Carrozzerie Speciali illustrates the automotive design and manufacturing practices of early 20th-century Italy and continues to be recognized for its technical and stylistic merits.