The Cisitalia 202 SMM stands as an enduring testament to the fusion of automotive engineering, Italian craftsmanship, and timeless design. Revered as a symbol of post-war automotive excellence, the Cisitalia 202 SMM captured the hearts of enthusiasts and remains a significant milestone in automotive history.
Origins and Development
In the wake of World War II, Italian industrialist Piero Dusio founded Cisitalia, envisioning a car that combined style, performance, and innovation. The 202 SMM, introduced in the late 1940s, was the brainchild of engineer Dante Giacosa and coachbuilder Giovanni Savonuzzi. Their collaborative effort resulted in a vehicle that pushed the boundaries of automotive design and performance.
Design and Engineering
At the core of the Cisitalia 202 SMM's allure was its captivating design. A harmonious blend of aerodynamic styling and functional elegance, the car's body was handcrafted with aluminum, ensuring a lightweight yet durable structure. Its distinct curves and flowing lines were not only aesthetically pleasing but also contributed to its performance on both road and track.
The 202 SMM was equipped with a potent 1.1-liter engine, producing impressive power for its size. The innovative engineering and meticulous attention to detail facilitated its success in racing competitions, further solidifying its reputation as a high-performance sports car.
Racing Success
The Cisitalia 202 SMM quickly gained recognition on the racing circuit. Notably, it achieved a remarkable victory in the 1947 Mille Miglia, an iconic Italian endurance race. Tazio Nuvolari, a revered racing driver, skillfully piloted the 202 SMM to an extraordinary triumph, cementing its place in motorsport history.
The car's success in racing not only showcased its capabilities but also elevated its prestige, capturing the admiration of automotive enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Enduring Legacy
Despite its limited production—only a few dozen units were manufactured—the Cisitalia 202 SMM left an indelible mark on the automotive landscape. Its influence extended far beyond its era, influencing subsequent designs and serving as an inspiration for future automotive generations.
The car's significance is reflected in its presence in prestigious automotive collections and museums worldwide. Collectors value the 202 SMM for its rarity, historical importance, and timeless design, making it a sought-after classic car among connoisseurs.
Conclusion
The Cisitalia 202 SMM remains an iconic symbol of automotive innovation and design. Its combination of striking aesthetics, remarkable engineering, and racing triumphs secured its place in the pantheon of legendary automobiles.
Decades after its creation, the 202 SMM continues to captivate enthusiasts, serving as a reminder of the golden age of automotive excellence. Its legacy endures as a timeless classic, a testament to the artistry and ingenuity of those who crafted it and the enduring allure of a truly exceptional automobile.
The Cisitalia project went soon bankrupt after an unsuccessful and expensive try to built a V12 Formula One Grand Prix car, forcing Piero Dusio to close down his Italian operation and relocate to Argentina where he founded Autoar. Thanks to Decree 18996 of the National Executive Power of August 10, 1949, the Industrial, Commercial, Financial and Real-estate Corporation, Autoar was authorized to import definitively material, cars and machinery from Italy. Included in the list, among other things, the Grand Prix car, eight monopostos D-46, four sport and 50 202 models, some still unfinished. Dusio took with him Ing. Renato Ciofi and a quantity of chassis, engines and other parts. He sold the license to build his cars to Ciofi, who then owned Autoitalia Argentina. Coiffi worked with Piero Dusio and carried out some works for Cisitalia, but Dusio did not remain with the company, which began manufacturing Cisitalias again in 1952. The aluminium coachwork was inspired by that of the 202 SMM Nuvolari Spyder, exhibiting only minimal differences.
This example is one of these unfinished cars that was moved from Italy after the bankrupcy of Cisitalia and completed in Argentina. It was first registered in Argentina in 1955. Only a little is known about the car's history, but it was later registered in Ancona, Italy in October 1968. This Italian title comes with the car. It became later a part of a French collection, where it resides until today.
The car comes with a Fiat 1100 Engine in-line four-cylinder with two OHV Weber carburettors and 4-speed manual gearbox.
First registration date | 1955 |
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Body Type | Spyder |
Engine | 1.090 ccm, 60 PS, I4 |
transmission | Manual |
Steering | Left Hand Drive |
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Layout | Rear Wheel Drive |
Color - exterior | Red |
Color - interior | Brown |
Miles/Kilometers shown | N/A |
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Chassis / VIN | 195544 |
Location - Country | Czechia |
Location - City | Prague |
2-door roadster body type; RWD (rear-wheel drive), manual 4-speed gearbox; gasoline (petrol) engine with displacement: 1090 cm3, advertised power: 44 kW / 59 hp / 60 PS (net), torque: 75 Nm; characteristic dimensions: outside length: 4000 mm, width: 1520 mm, wheelbase: 2400 mm; reference weights: base curb weight: 650 kg; top speed: 165 km/h (103 mph) (declared by factory); accelerations: 0-60 mph 16.1 s; 0-100 km/h 17.2 s
Mlada Boleslav, Czechia
Jablonec nad Nisou, Czechia
Jablonec nad Nisou, Czechia
Prague, Czechia
Prague, Czechia
Pisek, Czechia