Lot 266: 1937 Fiat 1500/6 Touring Superleggera Berlinetta

Fiat's 508 Balilla of 1929 had been an inspired design compared to the rather bland 514 model that had preceded it. This hugely popular one litre, four cylinder motor car was joined in the early 1930s by three complimentary models, the two litre, four cylinder Ardita, and two six cylinder cars, the 2 litre 527 and the 1 litre 1500. Powered by a short-stroke engine with the same cylinder dimensions as the 508 Balilla, the 1500 was also of thoroughly modern design and clothed in aerodynamic bodywork incorporating headlamps recessed into the wings. Coachwork from specialist Italian styling houses was also available, notably Zagato. Displacing 1,493cc, the overhead valve engine was mated to a four speed gear gearbox, the combination providing a maximum speed of over 75mph and 0-50mph acceleration in 20 seconds, while suspension was via leaf springs and the brakes hydraulically-operated. After World War Two, the 1500, along with the 500 Topolino and 1100 that had superceded the one litre model, resumed production until it, too, was replaced, by the all-new 1400 in 1950.Chassis No. 19014 left the Fiat factory in September of 1937 and was sent to Touring in Milan to be fitted with a striking aluminium body in their famous "Superleggera" principle, meaning a tubular steel chassis was clad in lightweight aluminium, the same principle as used for many Alfa Romeo 2500s and, of course, probably most famously on numerous Aston Martins such as the DB4. This striking berlinetta was finished in December of the same year and first registered at the same time. The Superleggera (super light) system meant a considerable weight saving compared to a conventionally bodied steel alternative. The Touring body number is 2425 and represents the first Touring coachwork on a Fiat 1500 chassis and the only one with this particular radiator styling. The car was exported to France in 1952 and was only discovered left in a farm in 1988. In 1991 this most handsome Fiat returned to its native Italy, whereupon a 3,000 hour restoration was started. Although the aluminium coachwork was in remarkably good condition, the steel parts needed serious attention. The mechanics as well as the interior were restored at the same time, the whole restoration has taken some three years to complete. A comprehensive file detailing the work undertaken as well as a photographic documentation comes with the car. Subsequently this stunning Berlinetta featured in a number of magazines such as the French "Retroviseur" in March 1991, the Italian "Auto d'Epoca" in November 1993, the American "Automobile Quarterly" in volume 41, number 2, second quarter 2001 and again in "Auto d'Epoca" in March 2005 as well as numerous other mentions in magazines following the Fiat's showings at various concours d'elegance. Not surprisingly, the car has been granted the prestigious ASI Oro certification (no. 7458) and is registered with the Registro Fiat Italiano (no. 919). Being described by the vendor as in excellent condition throughout, this important piece of Italian motoring history is offered with Italian registration documents.