General News
7 April, 2023
From boyhood dream to adult reality
Leonard Pietsch was just 10 years old when he was fortunate enough to take a ride in what became the car of his dreams. The 1923 Fiat 501 Tourer, with its three doors, four cylinders and 1.5-litre engine, was the most wonderful car he had ever laid...
Leonard Pietsch was just 10 years old when he was fortunate enough to take a ride in what became the car of his dreams.
The 1923 Fiat 501 Tourer, with its three doors, four cylinders and 1.5-litre engine, was the most wonderful car he had ever laid eyes on, and while he grew up to become a mechanic and work on many engines and vehicles, Mr Pietsch never forgot his first love.
Many years later, Mr Pietsch was called out to repair a tractor at Mr E Kelms' Bangerang farm.
Lo and behold, there was the car.
He told Mr Kelm that day he intended to one day own that car.
His dream came true in 1967 when Mr Kelms' brother, Bert, offered the rusty, dusty shell of the Fiat to Mr Pietsch as a restoration piece.
He purchased the car for 10 pounds ($20) and had it verified by Fiat Italy through Fiat's Australian branch that this was indeed the exact same car in which he had ridden as a child.
The project began but it took Mr Pietsch many years to locate bits and pieces.
As anyone who knew Mr Pietsch knows, if he didn't have the original part or gauge required he would put his skill and knowledge to work and invent something to fit the purpose.
He even tracked down the original handbook.
After many years of labour the project was finally complete, along with a new aqua duco colour which Mr Pietsch's wife Jean had chosen.
Mr Pietsch enjoyed joining Vintage Car Club members attending rallies and trips away, often winning prizes for the restored vintage vehicle.
After his death in 2019 the car became the treasured legacy of his daughter Lorraine.
HISTORY of ownership
1923: On April 19 1923 this car was sold by Fiat of Turin, Italy, to the Autocar Industries Pty Ltd of Melbourne, Australia. The car was sold without a body for 163 pounds. In November 1923 it was sold to Mr Clarence G Taylor of "Royston", Brim, Victoria, by H Mercer Pty Ltd Garage, Warracknabeal. Registration #46322.
1926: Car was sold to Mr A Hayter of Ailsa, via Warracknabeal.
1938: Mr Charles Bevan purchased the vehicle and in 1942 had a new hood fitted by Mr Pyke.
1946: Car was sold to Mr Ronald Bell.
1949: Police officer Mr McGinnison purchased the car.
1953: Mr E Kelm of Bangerang then bought the car.
1967: In December Mr Len Pietsch became the proud owner.
2019: Lorraine Sleep inherited the vehicle.