Lot 231: c.1934 Fiat 508S Balilla Sport Coppa d’Oro

Based on the highly successful 508 Balilla saloon - the first FIAT of the inter-war years to be named as well as numbered - the 508S Balilla Sport competition version was inspired by an original design by Carrozzeria Ghia. FIAT purchased the rights, manufacturing two versions: the Coppa d’Oro (Gold Cup) and lightweight Mille Miglia, named after successes gained in these demanding long distance events. Clothed in stylish open two-seater bodywork with finned tail, the original Balilla was powered by a tuned version of the saloon’s 995cc four-cylinder sidevalve engine. The latter drove the rear wheels via a three-speed gearbox and was installed in a cruciform braced chassis equipped with Lockheed hydraulic brakes and wire wheels. Introduced in 1934, the second series improved on this successful formula, adopting a four-speed synchromesh gearbox and an overhead-valve engine producing 46bhp.
The 508 Balilla Sport was well received by the motoring press and historians. ‘The Balilla Sport to my mind is the ancestor of the small sports car,’ opined Michael Sedgwick, while Light Car’s Dennis May praised its acceleration, steering and ‘decidedly naughty exhaust note.’ Motor Sport’s Bill Boddy reckoned the 508 Sport, ‘a much sought-after car that left a very profound mark on the sports scene to which many British drivers turned to for competition.’ Tested by Autocar in 1935, a Balilla Sport raced through the quarter mile at 73.77mph. Seventeen years later the magazine re-tested, lapping modern Goodwood, chicane included, at 68.7mph, an extraordinary feat that speaks volumes about the Balilla Sport’s cornering power. Despite its age the car was still winning races in the immediate post-war years, adding to a formidable reputation built on numerous victories in classic events in the pre-WW2 era, including the Mille Miglia, Monte Carlo Rally, Targa Florio, Spa Francorchamps 24-Hour, Ulster TT and Le Mans.
This example is offered with German registration papers, some history (including details of previous owners) and assorted photographs. In generally nice condition throughout, it comes from long term museum display and although not driven, it has been run recently. Mandatory re-commissioning is recommended prior to road use.