Italian title

Chassis no. 508S-079675 Engine no. 108 (CS) 025263

 - Extremely rare example with original body

- Continuous, well-documented history

- Ideal car for the Mille Miglia

- FIVA card and ASI certification

 

The car we are offering for sale is exceptional for at least two reasons: it still has its original body, and its history is known since it left the factory.

 

First of all, it is worth repeating that at the start of the 1930s Fiat offered a sportier model based on its 508 Balilla saloon, the Balilla 508 S Coppa d'Oro, fitted with the 995cc side-valve four-cylinder engine in a sportier state of tune and a three-speed gearbox. The second version, introduced in 1934, had a pushrod engine with overhead valves and a four-speed gearbox, which considerably improved its performance. These models earned an outstanding reputation thanks to their excellent results in their class in international events such as the Mille Miglia, the Monte-Carlo Rally, the Targa Florio and even the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

 

The 508 CS was also produced as a ‘Berlinetta Aerodinamica’ coupé with elegant, streamlined bodywork, of which a hundred or so examples were built. The number of survivors is estimated at just 15, of which this car is one.

 

According to the Italian chronological register (‘Cronologico’), it left the factory in 1934, but its first known registration was on 24 May 1936, in Modena. It then remained in use in the region of Modena, Piacenza and Brescia, and even took part in 1977 in the very first edition of the historic Mille Miglia, driven by a collector who was very active and influential at the time. Since then, it has never been taken off the road; the series of owners can be consulted in the car’s history file. It is a well-known car in historic circles in Italy.

At some stage in its life, repairs were carried out on the engine, including welding where the inscription ’Tipo 108CS’ was located; the marking ‘CS’ appears several times inside the block, however, confirming that it is indeed a 108 CS engine. The chronological register (‘Cronologico’) mentioned above indicates that it had a fiscal horsepower rating of 12HP, whereas the rating for the standard Balilla was 8HP.

The register also mentions a different engine number for this car, but we have no indication that the original four-cylinder engine was replaced, and the engine has clearly been in the car for a long time. The cylinder head is, however, more recent, as the early versions were prone to failure.

 

Regarding its bodywork, the ‘Cronologico’ confirms that the Fiat has been a two-seat ‘Berlina Sport’ since it was new: the body is clearly original and still has much of its wooden structure from the period.

Research into the car’s registration in 1936 does not provide any information as to whether it competed in any events at the time, but the car may have been entered with a number unknown to us during the two years that elapsed between its leaving the factory and its registration mentioned in the ‘Cronologico’. In any event, it is highly likely that this streamlined Balilla was originally bought to go racing.

 

Today, this clearly identified Balilla 508 CS has a FIVA identity card and certification from the Automotoclub Storico Italiano (ASI); in 2020, it took part in the historic Mille Miglia. In very attractive condition and restored with its original body and parts, this car is as elegant as it is rare; it is eligible for major historic events such as the Mille Miglia and will find its place at the top concours d’élégance.

Photos © Francesco Reggiani