One of fifty unfinished cars completed in Argentina following the bankruptcy of Cisitalia under the Auto Italia Argentina licence
Design inspired by the 202 SMM ‘Nuvolari’ Spyder
Recently recommissioned following three decades in a museum
The Appeal
After winning his class in the 1937 Mille Miglia, Turinese industrialist Piero Dusio decided to develop his own competition cars. While the Second World War put pay to Dusio’s plans, he founded Cistilia in 1946 and within a year, the 202s came second, third and fourth overall at the 1947 Mille Miglia. This was particularly impressive not only because Cistilia was a new company, but also as the 202 had a modest 1,089 cc four-cylinder engine while the winning Alfa Romeo boasted a 2,900 cc straight-eight!
Racing is an expensive endeavour, especially for low volume manufacturers, and Cistilia’s founder migrated to Argentina in 1949 after a Porsche-engined F1 car project had all but bankrupted the company. This left fifty cars unfinished and these were shipped to Argentina and completed under the Auto Italia Argentina licence. Here we have one of these cars, finished in the style of the 202 SMM ‘Nuvolari’ Spider. It was first registered in 1955 in Argentina, before returning to Italy in 1968. During the past thirty years the car has been carefully stored in a museum, but following recent recommissioning work, is ready to tackle the Futa Pass once more…
The vendor informs us the car is eligible for most of the top classic cars events, this model is listed also in the Mille Miglia eligible cars list.
The History and Paperwork
First registered in Argentina in 1955
Registered in Italy from 1968
Spent thirty years in a French museum
Recently underwent a comprehensive service
Comes with Italian registration documents
Currently unregistered in Czechia, although the vendor is willing to sell the car with a historic Czech registration if desired
The Condition
Distinctive streamlined bodywork which closely emulates the 202 SMM ‘Nuvolari’ Spyder
No signs of accident damage or deterioration to the handcrafted aluminium bodywork
We’re informed that the chassis is in very good condition, with no structural issues
The red exterior paintwork looks in lovely order
The brown leather upholstery appears free from notable defects
Fans of the Mille Miglia Storica will be familiar with these quirky coachbuilt racers, which used lightweight construction and aerodynamics to overcome their modest engines. The Cistilia proved to be exceedingly successful thanks to its flowing lines and handcrafted aluminium bodywork.
This example looks to be in fantastic condition, benefitting from its time spent dry stored in a museum. We couldn’t detect any obvious corrosion or signs of accident damage and the vendor confirms that there are no notable defects to report.
The Mechanics
Fiat 1,098 cc OHV in-line four with dual Weber carburettors
Four-speed manual gearbox
Rear-wheel drive
The engine and transmission are reported to be in fine fettle following a recent comprehensive service
The vendor reports that the car is ready to be driven
What makes the Cistilia 202 SMM remarkable is how singularly unremarkable its mechanical underpinnings are. A four-cylinder Fiat engine lies under the bonnet and is only just over a litre capacity.
The vendor reports that this example runs well and drives as it should following a thorough service.
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✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes. On request, Car & Classic may refer you to a third-party shipping company. For more details, email [email protected]. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders.
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1955 Cisitalia 202 SMM Nuvolari Spyder by Auto Italia Argentina
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