Beschreibung:

Colour: Red Cylinders: 4; 1,090cc Gears: 4 + reverse Power: 50/60bhp Produced: 1947-1952 Production: 20 (approximately, NMM Spyder) Founded in 1939 by Piero Dusio to manufacture sports equipment, Consorzio Industriale Sportiva Italia (Cisitalia) amassed a fortune for its former soccer star owner making military uniforms during WW2. A motor racing enthusiast, Dusio used his fortune to become involved with the sport he loved, building the first Cisitalia competition car in 1946. Designed by Ing. Dante Giacosa, FIAT’s engineering manager, this was an advanced monoposto with multi-tubular spaceframe chassis - the first time this method of construction had been used for a series-built racing car - powered by a modified FIAT 1100 engine. There being little else available at the time, the Cisitalia sold well and Dusio followed up this successful single-seater by building a two-seater sports car derivative, which was perfected by Giacosa’s replacement, Giovanni Savonuzzi. In 1947 Cisitalia introduced the hugely influential 202 Gran Sport Coupé which, with its elegant lines and integrated all-enveloping coachwork, set the pattern for every Gran Turismo that followed. Stabilimenti Farina, Pinin Farina and (later) Carrozzeria Vignale and Frua all had a hand in bodying the 202 chassis. Indeed, Pinin Farina and Cisitalia were uniquely honoured when in 1951 the Museum of Modern Art in New York acquired a 202 for its collection, one the very first examples of the automobile’s recognition as ‘art’. Coupé and spyder versions were made, one of the latter almost winning the Mille Miglia in 1947 with the legendary Tazio Nuvolari at the wheel. The fact that Nuvolari was able to lead most of the race in such a small-engined car speaks volumes for the Cisitalia’s superior design, only the misfortune of a rain-flooded magneto relegating him to second place overall and first in class at the finish. Subsequent competizione spyders were called ‘Nuvolari Mille Miglia’ in honour of this achievement. It was at this point that Dusio’s ambition got the better of him; a supercharged 12-cylinder Grand Prix car was developed with the assistance of Ferdinand Porsche and Carlo Abarth among others, but the project all but bankrupted Cisitalia, forcing Piero Dusio to close down his Italian operation and relocate to Argentina where he founded Autoar. Dusio took with him Ing. Renato Ciofi and a quantity of chassis, engines and other parts, and in 1952 began building Cisitalias again, though with left-hand drive (the Italian series was right-hand drive). Previously forming part of Peter Kaus’ famous Rosso Bianco Collection, this ultra-rare Cisitalia 202 Nuvolari Mille Miglia Spyder has been examined by a well respected authority on Italian marques of the period, who has declared that it is without doubt an authentic example and is prepared to talk to interested parties about it. He advises us that removal of the cylinder head confirmed that it was manufactured specifically for this type of car, as indicated by the presence of small ‘Cisitalia’ stamps, and that the dry sump lubrication system (specific to this model) is authentic, in place and functioning. Similarly all authentic and correct, the fuel system has been re-commissioned and the carburettor cleaned, while the brakes (different from the standard FIAT 1100 type) have likewise been overhauled. The entire chassis frame is welded and of period-correct manufacture, which is supported by the underlying patina. Although there is not a shred of doubt about this Spyder’s authenticity a few details need to be addressed to return it to 100% period-correct specification - steering wheel, dashboard, lights, and grille for example - but once this relatively easy task has been accomplished the new owner will be rewarded with a real gem of a car. Supporting documentation includes Swiss registration papers (issued 1982). • Benchmark automotive styling • One of only 20-or-so made • Eligible for the Mille Miglia 1948 Cisitalia