Bernardi (Italy) - AllCarIndex

Societa Italiana Bernardi was an early automobile manufacturer based in Padua, Italy, active from 1899 to 1901. The company was founded by Enrico Bernardi, a professor of Hydraulic and Agricultural Machinery at the University of Padua. Bernardi is noted for his pioneering work in the development of internal combustion engines, having created a small single-cylinder petrol engine in 1882. This engine, with a capacity of 122cc and an output of 0.024 bhp at 200 rpm, was initially used to power a sewing machine.

In 1884, Bernardi installed this engine in a tricycle for his four-year-old son, which was used for transporting sand and stones. This early vehicle attracted attention and envy among local children, marking it as a significant early example of motorized transport, predating Karl Benz's first automobile. In 1892, Bernardi constructed a larger three-wheeler equipped with a 624cc horizontal engine designed for adult passengers.

Production of this vehicle began in small numbers under the name MARI E GIUSTI from 1896 until 1899. After the cessation of this production, Bernardi continued to manufacture a limited number of vehicles under his own name, offering models with engine outputs of 2, 4, and 6 horsepower. However, the manufacturing of Bernardi vehicles concluded in June 1901.