Last edited by Wouter Melissen; 11-29-2010 at 02:39 AM.
Lack of charisma can be fatal.
Visca Catalunya!
1947 Cisitalia 202 Cabriolet by Pinin Farina (chassis #21)
Estimate:
€250.000-€320.000
AUCTION RESULTS: Lot was Sold at a price of €212.800
Est. 55 bhp, 1.1-litre overhead-valve four-cylinder engine, four-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension with transverse leaf spring, live rear axle with quarter semi-elliptic leaf spring, aluminium drum brakes. Wheelbase: 2,007 mm (79")
The name "Cisitalia" derives from "Consorzio Industriale Sportive Italia," the conglomerate formed by the Cisitalia's creator, Piero Dusio, who was responsible for the 202, his stunning road-going sports car. Because of its low weight and excellent aerodynamics, the 202 had good performance. The styling came from Pinin Farina, and it stands as a timeless bridge between pre- and post-war sports car design. The unified design smoothly links the bonnet, fenders, cabin and boot into a single organic shape. Coupé versions of the 202 were the first produced. A cabriolet followed. All told, only approximately 34 convertibles are known to survive.
The unique example here is the very first cabriolet produced, chassis 21. Its story is remarkable. Certainly, the fact that it is the first cabriolet is significant, but chassis 21 is also the only cabriolet to be designed and built by Battista “Pinin” Farina, before production of the remaining approximately 59 cabriolets shifted over to Stabilimenti Farina and, to a lesser extent, Vignale, both to Battista’s original design. By way of clarification, Stabilimenti Farina was founded by Giovanni Farina, Battista’s older brother, and it was there that “Pinin” learned his trade before later opening the doors to what would become Pininfarina.
During the years directly following World War II, Piero Dusio was looking to expand his business to South America – Argentina in particular. In an effort to court favour with the Argentinean government, it is believed Dusio gave this car directly to Argentinean President Juan Perón and his famous wife Evita. Although RM does not currently have any documentation to support this claim, the Perón provenance has long been closely associated with chassis 21.
If in fact this car was donated to the Peróns, it achieved the desired result. Dusio moved to Argentina, where he established Autocar (Automotores Argentinos) S.A.I.C. in 1949 with financial support from Juan Perón. Carlo Dusio (Piero's son) continued to run Cisitalia in Torino until 1964.
Following its arrival in Argentina, the car was owned by Remo Rojo and then Federico Brandenburg, both also of Argentina. Subsequent owners included Simone del Rio and Stan Novak, before the car was eventually acquired by its current owner, a respected collector in his own right. Upon his acquisition of the car, its coachwork had previously been restored in the 1990s, and between 2002 and 2003, the engine and running gear were treated to extensive restoration work as well. Over the last two years, however, the car has been treated to a complete nut and bolt restoration in Holland by the specialists at Forza Service. The restoration is absolutely fresh and superb in every respect.
A motor car of this calibre is a rare offering indeed. Not only is this the first Cisitalia 202 Cabriolet built, it is also the only example designed and built by Pinin Farina. With fantastic Argentinean provenance, it not only represents Piero Dusio’s automotive vision, but also the highly regarded work of Battista Farina, who would go on to forge a strong relationship with Ferrari as the Modenese car maker’s favourite coachbuilder.
Source: RM Auctions
Last edited by Duell; 05-26-2013 at 06:15 AM.
Having only seen old photos of the 202 Cabrio, these make me wish I could see it in person. Lovely in this color, too.
Never own more cars than you can keep charged batteries in...
"I find the whole business of religion profoundly interesting, but it does mystify me that otherwise intelligent people take it seriously." Douglas Adams
Kidston - Movie Detail
that's about the only good Cisitalia video i found on the internet
It will have to be a vicarious pleasure, Pieter. A Monaco weekend would be far more posh, but we've a vintage (sort of) rally in British Columbia to attend. Actually more like a long drive through the country with 59 other cars, which we're really looking forward to.
Classic Car Adventures| What is the Spring Thaw?
Never own more cars than you can keep charged batteries in...
Cisitalia 202 #3
Cisitalia 202 #4
Cisitalia 202 #5
Cisitalia 202 #6
Cisitalia 202 #7
Stunning car!!
I'm just an oldhustler trapped in a hotrodders world
I have been doing so much with so little for so long I can do anything with nothing.
Fiberglass is traditional.From Malmesbury,South Africa
Is there a copy of one of these cars in the MOMA?
I remember seeing a red one there.
some more from the archives, including a cabriolet.
"I find the whole business of religion profoundly interesting, but it does mystify me that otherwise intelligent people take it seriously." Douglas Adams
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