1947 Cisitalia 202 SMM Aerodinamico Berlinetta

The rebirth and success of motorsports in Italy following the devastation of World War was fueled (in part) by Piero Dusio's brilliant Cisitalia D46 single-seater. With a Fiat-based engine - as were many of the Italian specials and small production cars of that era - they found great supporters among the elite drivers of the day, including Tazio Nuvolari.

The early vehicles produced by 'Compagnie Industriale Sportivo Italia', or 'Cisitalia' were based on the Fiat 500 'Topoloino.' Among the items sourced for the little Fiats were the 1100cc 4-cylinder engine, front suspension, steering box, and chassis. The design was orchestrated by Dante Giacosa, father of the Topolino. Dusio employed the aerodynamicist and designer Giovanni Savonuzzi, who developed the D46 for production. Savonuzzi styled the Cisitalia 202 MM Aerodinamico in 1946. It was given a sleek and aerodynamic coupe body with large fins at the rear.

Just like many other historically significant vehicles of this era, few were built and few have survived. This particular car is a replica that is - in many ways - exactly like the originals. The proportions of the body are excellent, the details are impressive, including the steering wheel, door hardware, and grille. Power is supplied from an original Fiat 1100 engine fitted with twin-side draft carburetors.

In 2012 the car was offered for sale at the Quail Lodge presented by Bonhams Auction. It was estimated to sell for $60,000 - $80,000 but could not find a buyer willing to satisfy its reserve. It would leave the auction unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2012