Lot 261: 1938 Fiat 1500 Sport Zagato

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 After World War Two, the 1500, along with the 500 Topolino and 1100 that had superceded the one litre model, resumed production until it, too, was replaced, by the all-new 1400 in 1950. This splendid Zagato-bodied 1500 with roadster coachwork, a 1937 model, was regularly campaigned before World War Two in northern Italy, where it contested both national sports category races on town circuits and hillclimbs driven by N. Gerbo of Portacomaro. After the war the car was sold, and its new owner incorporated several modifications to increase its competitiveness, including upgrading the engine with a higher lift camshaft, special pistons and a volumetric supercharger, the latter a popular method during the 1930s and '40s, and particularly in racing applications, of boosting power output. Thereafter, benefiting from a considerable increase in performance, this delightful Fiat was raced in the 1,100cc-1,500cc sports class of numerous races and rallies between 1946 and 1952 by a variety of drivers, one of the more well-known being Dante Iacopucci. Amongst the many events in which it ran, the more notable include the Circuito del Valentino, Circuito di San Secondo, Rally del Alpi, Rally del Sestriere, Circuito di Mantova, Aosta -Gran San Bernardo, Bologna-Raticosa and the Susa-Moncenisio. By the mid-1950s the car had passed into the collection of the Faletti family which ran a Fiat dealership in Asti. Rare, distinctively styled, and complete with its full spats for the rear wheel arches, this highly individual and attractive Fiat Sport Zagato is finished in white with red interior. A competitive class contender, this delightful car is eligible for numerous historic race and rally events.Rare et avec un style trés distingué, cette Fiat Zagato est de couleur blanche avec un intérieur rouge. Une concurrente trés compétitive, cette voiture est éligible pour de nombreux rallies et courses historiques.