1930 Fiat 521C Sgranatrice (Corn Sheller)

Make: Fiat

Model: 521C

Year: 1930

Chassis: 521 21043

Vintage & Prestige is proud to offer this incredibly unique and unusual 1930 Fiat 521C Sgranatrice (Corn Sheller).

When thinking of something unusual and rare, this is not what commonly comes to mind. 'Rare' is an understatement, as this is the only one that is known of. Corn sheller conversions were not too uncommon in Italy after WW1, but not common either. What makes this particular example more rare and incredible is that it is based on the Fiat 521C, which was Fiat's take on a luxury car. Some corn sheller cars can be found on cheaper and smaller vehicles such as the Fiat 503.

This 1930 Fiat 521C corn sheller is presented in beautiful condition throughout; all the patent numbers and plaques are still present on the car with all the government stamps that confirm that this Fiat 521C is indeed an agricultural machine.

The C stands for “Corto” (short – related to the wheelbase); the Fiat 521 was the vehicle with which Fiat tried to offer a car for wealthier families that wanted to tackle long journeys and rough terrains. High ground clearance, a sturdier chassis, a more refined body, big wheels and a big 6-cylinder made the Fiat 521 a great choice for the new upper Italian class.

This Fiat 521C was turned into a corn sheller by Carra Brothers of Suzzara, because you obviously need a big strong 6-cylinder to tootle around Italian farms shelling corn.

This 1930 Fiat 521C has been beautifully restored to the highest standards by the late owner, who was a well-known engineer and car enthusiast in his area.

The restoration included everything: the chassis, the body and the corn sheller machine that is driven by a hefty leather strap driven by the flywheel.

It is now sitting in the collection of the late owner, surrounded by other Italian and European cars that the late owner restored all by himself through his life, making this a very rare find indeed; although the restoration was completed to the highest standards, the car has now been sitting for a number of years without moving; some light recommissioning will be needed to put the car back on the road; during its storage, the battery was disconnected, the carburettor covered and the exhaust capped.

Needless to say that, is going be hard to find one like it and in similar condition. This 1920 Fiat 521C resided in Padova (IT) awaiting the future owner to give it some TLC and put it back on the road; it’s registered for road use in Italy, and EU taxes are paid.