FIAT 522 classic car for sale

History of the FIAT 522

FIAT introduced the 522 in 1931, during a period when Italian car manufacturers were broadening their technical and design horizons. Designed as a premium offering above the 521, the 522 reflected the brand’s ambition to compete in the upper mid-class sector. Its introduction marked a transition to more refined automotive construction—with attention to drive comfort, styling, and mechanical refinement—making the 522 a model representative of pre-war Italian luxury motoring.

Model History of the FIAT 522

Debuting as the successor to the FIAT 521, the 522 expanded the company’s line-up of six-cylinder sedans and convertibles. Different body styles were offered, tailored to varying market demands for saloons, cabriolets and limousines during the early 1930s. The model itself paved the way for future developments and was eventually succeeded by the FIAT 524 as FIAT continued to modernise its range.

Highlights of the FIAT 522

Unique for its era, the 522 was equipped with a six-cylinder engine—a notable advancement in refinement over prior FIAT models in its segment. The 522 also featured hydraulic brakes, a technical sophistication ahead of many contemporaries. Body construction offered improved noise insulation compared to predecessors, and the range of available luxury accessories set it apart in its market class.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

FIAT produced variations of the 522, including cabriolets and extended wheelbase versions, though these remain especially rare. Certain limited-production coach-built bodies by renowned Italian firms are highly sought after and demonstrate the degree of individualisation possible with the 522 platform.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

No documented weak spots or common technical issues are available for this model. As always with pre-war vehicles, careful attention should be paid to the condition of the engine, drivetrain, hydraulic brakes, and any bespoke coachwork or trim.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

The hallmark of the FIAT 522 is its in-line six-cylinder engine, paired with a robust manual gearbox that typifies automotive standards of the early 1930s. Hydraulic brakes afforded significantly improved stopping performance. Suspension was upgraded over earlier FIAT models, providing a more composed ride characteristic for its class. Particularly popular among collectors are the four-door saloon and the open-top cabriolet, which showcase the flexibility of the 522’s chassis and are often equipped with luxury accessories and factory upgrades from the period.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

Italian automotive styling is evident in the 522’s flowing body contours and dignified presence. Interiors were typically appointed with wood trim, hop-sack cloth or leather upholstery, and elegant dashboards tailored to upper mid-class expectations of comfort. Exterior options varied, and special colours or two-tone paint schemes were sometimes available from the factory or aftermarket coachbuilders. Some models were fitted with additional chrome trim, spare wheel housings and other custom elements, reflecting the luxury orientation of the 522 series.

Other Noteworthy Features

The FIAT 522 also stood out for its available accessories, such as period-correct radios, fog lamps, and trunk-mounted spare wheels, as well as the potential for custom coachwork by Italian craftsmen, making each surviving example uniquely individual.

Summary

The FIAT 522 offers a compelling glimpse into early 1930s Italian luxury car engineering. With its six-cylinder engine, hydraulic brakes and refined interior fittings, the 522 remains a desirable piece of motoring history for those seeking sophistication and rarity from the pre-war automotive era.