Aurea
The Aurea was an Italian automobile manufactured in Turin from 1921 to 1930. This small producer built sidevalve and overhead valve four-cylinder cars with engines that started at 1460 cc in the s.v. version engine, but later were increased to 1479 cc in both s.v. and O.H.V. engine configurations. Only the "S" type MONZA factory racing version contained the OHV type engine. The cars were well-made, but fairly heavy. Regular production of Aureas stopped around 1926, but the company produced a few more cars from existing parts and maintained parts supply under for the vehicles under Ceirano new Management from late 1926 onwards.
Three model series of the Aurea were produced: 1. Series 400 model - 1920 to 1922 production; No "S" versions, 5 passenger body styles; 1460 cc, rear wheel brakes only, wooden artillery type wheels. 2. Series 500 model - 1923 to mid 1925, "S" type OHV introduced as top line model - 4 wheel brakes and wire wheels; all other passenger models have 2 wheel brakes and wooden artillery wheels and are rear wheel brake only. 3. Series 600 model - mid 1925 to late 1926 - Body style changes to increase width of passenger compartment; radiator badge contains abbreviation "FATA" re: Fascist era of production (early Aurea's do not contain this). "S" OHV version still in production.
Aurea Factory site is located in Turin, Italy and close to FIAT.
Factory survived from 1926 to WWII under Ceirano management producing Aurea spares and Ceirano Commercial vehicles (not cars). Factory was bombed and lost in @ 1941 (supposed date).
Of those examples surviving:
Series 400 - 1 remnant vehicle in Australia, NSW; One ex Australian vehicle now being driven in UK. Series 500 - 1 low mileage original vehicle at Biella, Italy. series 600 - 1 only example, running and complete with Australian (Wagga based) body, in Melbourne.
6 vehicles are confirmed as arriving in Australia - at least two OHV versions arrived, 1 only Series 600 arrived; At least 2 series 400 arrived in Australia; At least 1 Series 500 arrived in Australia. two Australian agencies were known - 1 at Paramatta Sydney and 1 in Wagga Wagga, N.S.W.
An original "Monza" OHV Aurea factory team racing car located in Sicily - This vehicle has MONZA factory racing origin.
The Aurea 1500 cc S.V. engine is similar to a FIAT 501 design. Aurea use American 6 Volt Westinghouse starting and generating systems. generator is mounted in gearbox and similar to the Metallurgique car arrangement.
Aureas were only exported ex Italy to England, Austria and Australia. Italian vehicles received Italian made bodies; Australian bound vehicles were exported via England and contain either a British made body or Australian made body.