New Fiat Trucks For British India Army Bombay, 1916 Postcard
A rare 1916 postcard shows a convoy of new Fiat Trucks for the British Indian army arriving in Bombay (Mumbai). Also shown are the front and back sides of a rare 1916, 4-page Fiat truck catalogue. The Italian-made Fiat trucks were supplied to the British Indian government in 1916.
It had to undergo rigorous tests by the required departments before its acceptance. The trucks were supplied for the use of the military, ambulance service, logistics, etc. The Fiat vehicles were first used in India in the North Western Frontier Province during WW1. The British Indian army found it to be very rugged and reliable.
It is worth noting that FIAT is an acronym for the company’s name, Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino. The company was established in 1900, and 24 cars were manufactured in its inaugural year of production. By 1910, Fiat became one of the largest automobile manufacturers and exporters. Because of its soundness of design, the vehicles were much appreciated and admired. It was not only used by the Italian army, but also by the Russian, British Indian, French, and American armies, in WW1. Click on the photo to enlarge.
See post Rare View of Fiat Trucks For The British India Military, 1915 Postcard.
Did you know- it was proven reliable and sturdy in 1912 when a convoy of 23 Fiat trucks made the first motor vehicle crossing of the Sahara, travelling three thousand kilometers without any mechanical problems.
From the collection- 1964 M. Suriyamoorthy Charcoal On Paper Two Women (#4)., Colonial India Bungalow With Punkah, Old Photo 1870., View Of Bombay Fort & Harbour – Old Print 1840
