Italian Fiat 15ter Lorry
with photos by Giorgio Brigà

The Fiat 15ter was designes by Carlo Cavalli, and entered service in 1912. It was a very sturdy an reliable vehecle, something that was proven when a convoy of 23 Fiat 15ter lorries made the first motor vehicle crossing of the Sahara, travelling three thousand kilometres without mechanical problems. It was first used in war in the Libyan war of 1912 - hence it's nickname: "Libia". It had a four cylinder petrol engine of 4398 cc (40 hp at 1800 rpm) and twin rear wheels fitted with inflated tyres. It weighed some 1.4 tons, and could attain a maximum speed of some 40km/h.

The soundness of the design was proven by the fact that it was used not only by the Italian Army, but also by the British Army on both the Italian and Greek fronts. Also, it was produced under license in Russia from 1916, by the firm of AMO: 750 light trucks and 750 light staff cars of Fiat 15ter type was ordered. In Italy it was produced between 1911 and 1920, and it was in service until 1940.

The photos below have been taken by Giorgio Brigà, and show a Fiat 15ter at the Museo Militare della Cecchignola, in Rome.