FOD (Italy) - AllCarIndex

Fonderie Officine De Benedetti, based in Turin, was an Italian automobile manufacturer that operated briefly in the 1920s and again in the late 1940s. Founded by Francesco De Benedetti, the company initially focused on producing light cars, leveraging De Benedetti's extensive experience in the foundry industry and his numerous patents.

The first production run began in 1925, featuring a compact 4-cylinder engine with a displacement of 565cc. The design incorporated overhead camshaft technology and utilized aluminum alloys extensively in various components, including the clutch, gearbox, and steering gear. The vehicles were built on a platform-type chassis, and the company offered multiple body styles, such as open two-seaters, cabriolets, saloons, sports models, and light vans. Notably, the factory primarily served as an assembly plant, sourcing chassis and bodies from S.A.M. of Legnano, while only electrical equipment and tires were purchased from external suppliers.

Despite De Benedetti's ambition to produce 500 cars, the company ceased operations in 1927, unable to compete effectively with the dominant Fiat. Following this period, Francesco De Benedetti shifted his focus to industrial design, while his daughters took on roles as factory workers in rival companies. In 1948, he attempted to revive his automotive endeavors with the introduction of a small 4-seater coupé named the Debe, powered by a 300cc 2-cylinder engine. A subsequent model, a 250cc two-seater coupé, was developed in 1949, but De Benedetti faced challenges in securing the necessary funding to bring the Debe to market, leading to the company's final closure.