Diatto was an Italian automobile manufacturer based in Turin, established in the early 19th century as a coachbuilder. The company transitioned to car manufacturing in 1905, dedicating its entire factory to the production of automobiles. This decision marked a significant shift for Diatto, as many engineering firms at the time opted to maintain their existing operations alongside new automotive divisions.
Initially, Diatto produced vehicles under license from the French manufacturer C.L. Clement. Their early models included a range of two- and four-cylinder cars, with engine displacements varying from 1,884 cc to 4,846 cc. Notable early models included the 10/12 hp and 12/16 hp variants, as well as a 24 hp six-cylinder car introduced in 1908. The company’s vehicles were initially branded as Torino but became widely known as Diatto-Clements.
In 1909, the partnership with Clement ended, leading to the development of new designs. The Tipo Unico, introduced in 1910, became a staple model for Diatto until World War I. During the war, the company expanded its operations by opening a coachbuilding department and acquiring a factory from the French aero engine manufacturer Gnome et Rhône, where they produced Bugatti aero engines and airframes. Post-war, Diatto resumed car production with models such as the 4DA and the 4DC, but struggled to compete with larger manufacturers like Fiat.
In the 1920s, Diatto shifted its focus to producing quality sporting cars, leading to the creation of the Tipo 20, designed by Giuseppe Coda. This model featured innovative engineering, including a single overhead camshaft and a gasketless cylinder head joint. The Tipo 20 gained recognition in racing, particularly after modifications by Alfieri Maserati. However, financial difficulties arose in 1923 due to the collapse of the Banca Italiana di Sconto, resulting in the company's liquidation.
Reformed as Autocostruzione Diatto in 1924, the company continued to produce the Tipo 20A and Tipo 20S until 1926, when production began to decline. By 1927, car manufacturing had virtually ceased, although some assembly of leftover parts continued until 1928. The Maserati brothers, who had previously worked with Diatto, went on to establish their own company, further diminishing Diatto's presence in the automotive market. In 1931, Diatto was restructured to focus on industrial equipment and spare parts, and plans for a return to car production in 1945 ultimately did not materialize.
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