Societa Piemontese Automobili Logo

Italy’s Societa Piemontese Automobili (SPA) was established in Turin in 1906. A group of engineers and businesspeople, including Matteo Ceirano and Michele Ansaldi, saw promise in the rapidly growing automobile sector and founded the company.

The 28/40 HP type was the first vehicle to be released in 1907. It was a four-cylinder vehicle with a 40-horsepower 7,785 cc engine. The car’s avant-garde styling and superb craftsmanship instantly recognized the new brand.

The 12/16 HP and 14/16 HP were two lesser versions added to its inventory in 1908. These vehicles catered to a wider market and were more reasonably priced. The same year, the company started participating in auto races, promoting brand awareness and highlighting its cars’ dependability and capability.

1910 was a big turning point for the business. The brand introduced one of its most popular vehicles, the 25/30 HP variant. This vehicle had a sleek appearance and cutting-edge technical features, such as a driveshaft instead of a chain drive and a four-speed transmission.

By starting to manufacture trucks in 1912, the company increased its market share in the commercial vehicle industry. These trucks were known for being dependable and effective vehicles very soon.

World War I (1914–1918) significantly impacted the company’s operations. To supply the Italian army with aircraft engines, ambulances, and vehicles, the company altered its operations to fulfill military demands. This experience advanced its technology and manufacturing procedures.

Following the war, manufacturers started making automobiles for civilian use again. The 23S model debuted in 1921 and was among the most technologically advanced automobiles. It had an uncommon six-cylinder overhead camshaft engine for that era.

Fabbrica Ligure Automobili Genova (FLAG) and the company amalgamated in 1923, enabling it to increase its production capacity and resources for new model development.

However, by the middle of the 1920s, financial problems began to emerge. The company found it difficult to attract the necessary investments to modernize manufacturing as the competition in the Italian automotive market grew more intense.

Fiat bought a controlling stake in the company in 1926. Although this acquisition ended the company’s independent existence, the brand and its production skills were preserved.

Under Fiat’s oversight, the company continued producing trucks and specialty cars. It also created several popular commercial vehicle models used extensively in Italy and other countries.

Throughout the 1930s, the company concentrated on manufacturing military hardware, such as tractors and armored vehicles. This knowledge was useful during World War II, as the business became a major provider to the Italian armed forces.

As a Fiat subsidiary, the company continued operations following World War II, specializing in manufacturing trucks and industrial vehicles. However, the brand lost popularity over time, and by the 1960s, it was no longer produced.

Even though the company was no longer a stand-alone business, its influence can still be seen in the development of Italian auto production. Numerous technological advancements created by the manufacturer were incorporated into later Fiat models and those of other Italian automakers.