Ernesto Ceirano

[1] In October 1898 Giovanni Battista and Matteo co-founded Ceirano GB & C and started producing the Welleyes motor car in 1899.

Giovanni Battista was employed by Fiat as the agent for Italy, but within a year he left to found Fratelli Ceirano & C. which in 1903 became Società Torinese Automobili Rapid (S.T.A.R.)

In 1906 Matteo left Itala to found S.P.A. (Società Piemontese Automobili) with chief designer, Alberto Ballacco.

[2] Ernesto gained his initial knowledge and skills working as an automotive mechanic alongside his brothers.

Ernesto, who had good knowledge of engine design, made his name primarily as a race car driver.