Due to the little time available which didn’t allow for significant changes, Itala, the motor vehicle that took part a century ago in the Rally from Peking to Paris, was a regular Itala 35/45 HP 1907 model, with a four-cylinder engine, more than 7,000 cc and 4-speed gear.

The maximum speed that Itala could reach was approximately 95 kilometres an hour. Motor racing was just beginning, the first automobiles were only made for engine lovers who were not too upset if their motor vehicles left them on the roadside every few kilometres, or if their vehicles were uncomfortable or difficult to use. It was still undergoing an experimental phase, this is why the challenge was launched by Le Matin: can a rich persons’ toy really become a means of transportation like a train or a steamship? Thus, we
ought to give it a real test on a hard and very difficult journey. If the motor vehicle passes this test, then it can really take a toll on the future.

In opting for the Itala 35/45 HP, Borghese made a precise decision against the odds. The other four rivals in the race were light vehicles with approximately ten more horsepower; and one was actually a three-wheeler, an actual nutshell model that was very popular back then. Borghese wanted a tough car with wheels that were taller and wider than usual. The chassis was strengthened to make it tougher, and two 150-litre petrol tanks were added on the sides as well as two 50-litre water tanks on back to use as drinking water and oil supply. Borghese’s Itala became a huge vehicle with an empty weight of 1,370 kilos, which reached over 2,000 kilos when it was fully loaded, though with 40 horsepower, which came to be very valuable on the most difficult roads. Itala certainly drank a lot of petrol (three kilometres with one litre of petrol), nevertheless at that time people still didn’t talk about energy conservation.

The travellers suffered on their epic journey. They were abandoned under the most severe of weather conditions, as well as covered in mud and dust, smacked by the wind, exposed to vibrations, and dependent on two front seats and one back seat. There was obviously no luggage compartment: there was a large chest secured between the tanks with tools and spare parts, food supplies were located under the front seats.
 

Meanwhile the luggage was piled up on the chest without being secured and often fell on the back seat. Surprising everyone, Itala reached the end twenty days in advance, marking a historical victory for the emerging Italian motor industry. It did not only reach its destination, but it was also in perfect condition considering the extreme difficulties the car had to undergo (it also fell off a bridge). The only damage suffered that was quite significant was on a wheel, which was rebuilt by a Russian carpenter along the way. Pirelli tires also gave an excellent performance: only about 16 of them were used for the entire rally.

Itala 1904-1934

Itala was formed in 1904 at Turin by Matteo Ceirano and Guido Bigio and began to produce large engine sporty cars. Success in motorsport followed, most famously winning the Paris-Peking Marathon in 1907. This, combined with some famous customers ensured exposure and thus sales. The car which had won the Paris-Peking event as powered by a 7.4-litre four cylinder engine, and later 11.1 and 12.9-litre six cylinder units were developed.

Sales continued with ever increasing volumes (and also profits) until the first world war. During the latter, first military vehicles and then aircraft engines were produced, but the end of the war shortened contracts and initiated the financial problems which were to plague Itala from then on.