Description
FIAT 508 S SPORT – 1935
Sport bodywork rebuilt in the 1970s – ASI Gold Plaque Registration No. 0932 (1980)
Technical Specification
Make: FIAT
Model: 508 S Sport
Year: 1935
Chassis: 508. S. 072375
Engine: 108. S. 1160
Displacement: 995 cc
Valvetrain: Overhead valves (OHV)
Interior: Red
Exterior trim: Brown leather
Capote: Black
Certifications: ASI Gold Plaque Registration No. 0932 dated 30 August 1980
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Historical Background
The Fiat 508 S represents one of the most fascinating sporting interpretations of the celebrated Fiat 508 "Balilla" family, a model that played a decisive role in motorising Italy during the 1930s. The Sport version was aimed at a more discerning and enthusiastic clientele, interested in superior performance and a more dynamic appearance compared to the standard versions.
The example presented here was registered on 13 April 1935. Originally equipped with a different bodywork configuration, during its long history it underwent a transformation carried out presumably between the 1960s and 1970s, when it was rebodied according to the aesthetic standards of the Sport version.
The bodywork reconstruction therefore dates back to approximately sixty years ago and now constitutes an integral part of the documented history of the motor car. For this reason the vehicle should today be considered fully "historicised", having been recognised and accepted in the historic collecting world for several decades.
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Important ASI Certification
On 30 August 1980 this motor car obtained one of the first and most prestigious registrations issued by the Italian Historic Automobile Club, receiving ASI Gold Plaque No. 0932.
In the registration certificate the motor car was classified as "GOOD RECONSTRUCTION", a particularly significant attestation considering that this is a certification obtained over forty years ago, at a time when the ASI verification system was extremely selective.
The presence of such a low registration number bears witness to the age of the recognition and the early historic-collecting interest attributed to the example.
The motor car is accompanied by a chronological extract certificate documenting its entire history
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Participation in Historic Events
Over the years the motor car has participated in numerous rallies, events and re-enactments dedicated to historic automobiles.
This activity is also documented by the numerous participation "seals" still present and sealed on the steering column, authentic testimonies of its presence at events and gatherings dedicated to historic motoring.
These details represent an element of particular interest for collectors, as they help document the continuity of the vehicle's historic life.
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Equipment and Accessories
In the 1980 ASI documentation the absence of the capote was noted. The motor car today is instead equipped with a black capote, evidently installed after the registration.
The current configuration comprises:
• Sport bodywork in Fiat 508 S style;
• Exterior trim in brown leather;
• Red interior;
• Black capote;
• Instrumentation and layout typical of pre-war sports cars;
• Historic participation seals from events.
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Technical Characteristics of the Fiat 508 S Model
The Fiat 508 S Sport was mechanically derived from the celebrated Balilla, but benefited from a performance-oriented configuration.
Principal technical characteristics of the model:
• Fiat Type 108 S engine with 4 cylinders in line;
• Displacement of 995 cc;
• Overhead valve distribution (OHV);
• Water cooling;
• Manual 4-speed gearbox;
• Rear-wheel drive;
• Steel box-section chassis;
• Rigid axle suspension with leaf springs;
• Light weight and sporting layout.
Thanks to the combination of lightness, mechanical reliability and engine liveliness, the 508 S became one of the most appreciated Italian sports cars of the mid-1930s.
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Collecting Interest
Original Fiat 508 Sport examples are today extremely rare and sought after on the international pre-war motor car market.
This example possesses a unique and perfectly documented history:
• Registration in 1935;
• Sport bodywork rebuilt in the 1960s/ 1970s;
• Over sixty years of historicisation in the current configuration;
• One of the first ASI Gold Plaque registrations ever issued;
• Long participation in historic events;
• Coherent and continuous historic documentation.
Thanks to its documentary age and consolidated acceptance in the collecting landscape, the motor car can participate in the principal events dedicated to pre-war and post-war historic automobiles.
It is however important to clarify that, by virtue of the bodywork reconstruction that took place during its history, the motor car is not eligible for participation in the 1000 Miglia re-enactment.
