Ernesto Ceirano
- For other uses of Ceirano, see Ceirano
Ernesto Ceirano (1875–unknown) was an Italian entrepreneur, racing driver and motoring pioneer. Born in Cuneo in 1875, Ceirano was the youngest of four brothers who were pioneers of the Italian car industry. In 1911 and 1913 he won the Targa Florio driving his brother's SCAT automobiles.[Note 1]
Background
The Ceirano brothers, Giovani Battista, Giovanni, Ernesto and Matteo, were highly influential in the founding of the Italian auto industry, being variously responsible for : Ceirano; Welleyes (the basis of Fiat); SCAT (Società Ceirano Automobili Torino); Itala and S.P.A. (Società Piemontese Automobili).
In 1888, after eight years apprenticeship at his father's watch-making business, Giovanni Battista Ceirano started building Welleyes bicycles, so named because English names had more sales appeal.[1] In October 1898 Giovanni co-founded Ceirano GB & C and started producing the Welleyes motor car in 1899. In July 1899 the plant and patents were sold to Giovanni Agnelli and produced as the first F.I.A.T.s. In 1904 Matteo Ceirano left Ceirano GB & C to create his own brand - Itala. In 1906 Matteo left Itala to found S.P.A. (Società Piemontese Automobili) with chief designer, Alberto Ballacco. In 1906 Giovanni founded SCAT (Società Ceirano Automobili Torino) in Turin.
Early life
Ernesto gained his initial knowledge and skills working as an automotive mechanic alongside his brothers.
Career
Ernesto, who had good knowledge of engine design, made his name primarily as a race car driver.
In 1908 he finished third in the Targa Florio driving Matteo's four-cylinder, 7,785cc, S.P.A. 28/40 HP.
Ernesto may have been the 'Capo del montaggio' (production manager) at SCAT when their vehicles achieved particular sporting success in 1921 and 1922 great success in motorsport.
See also
- Ceirano GB & C
- Itala, car manufacturer based in Turin from 1904-1934, started in 1903 by Matteo Ceirano and five partners
- List of automobile companies founded by the Ceirano brothers
Notes
- ^ There is some lack of clarity among sources and translations because Giovanni Ceirano's son 'Giovanni junior' was nicknamed "Ernesto".
References
- Article includes some translation from German Wikipedia