With famous names like Lambourghini and Ferrari car manufacturing in the early 20^th century in Italy revolved around sports cars. In Carso Dante in 1900 the first Fiat factory opened and during that year a workforce of 150 made 24 cars. These included the the 3/12 hp.

Vincenzo Lancia won the Sassi-Superga uphill race driving a 24 hp Fiat in 1902. There were 9 Fiats that finished across the finish line in the first car tour of the country. Giovanni Agnelli, who was President of Fiat set a new record in the second Italian Car Tour driving a 8hp Fiat and by 1904 the distinctive oval blue background logo was designed.

Fiat fitted its cars with electrical accumulators, overhauled production and patented the cardan transmission. This enabled their cars to continue setting new records and win numerous competitions and races.

In 1922, after a revolt by the 3000 workers had ended, Fiat began building its famous Lingotto car factory, which was its first to use assembly lines. The factory opened in 1923 and was used to make military machines and vehicles during World War II.

Alfa Romero was formed in 1910 and one of its main roles was to build cars to win races especially against its rival Fiat. It was another famous racing car manufacturer, who created the first Italian ‘Supercar’, Alfa Romero 8C 2300 series although only 188 were ever made. This car dominated the European race tracks. The company had held high racing records until 1933 when the Government nationalised it and with that came the change from manufacturing high quality custom built cars to mainly making alliances with other companies to produce car engines, parts and industrial vehicles.