1952 TBA Gladius 1.3 R 1.0

A special car this, as it is not a PMI-owned company this; the #53 Tannberg Automobile (TBA) Gladius 1.3 R was the fastest car to compete in the 1952 Corso di Fruinia endurance road rally. Quite a feat, considering the car was an entry in the second smallest of five engine classes.

The standard Gladius 1.3 R was outfitted with a 1298cc B6 engine, producing around 125 bhp. The #53 though had a bored out engine, with displacement increased to 1395cc. This engine mounted over the rear wheels cranked out 146 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque in the high rev ranges. The #53 Gladius was light as well at 754 kg, and this combined with superior handling - with almost all oversteer inherent to an RR setup eliminated - made it reign supreme in the 1952 edition of the famous event.

Stats:
Top speed: 201 kph
Acceleration: 0-100 in 6,7 seconds
Fuel Economy: 6,9l/100km at 50 kph; 6,9l/100km at 80 kph
Braking performance: 80-0: 27 meters