The 1951 Cisitalia 202 SC has always been a bit of an enigma. Although Piero Dusio focused on creating nimble high performance sports cars, he was also determined to outwit the oppressive post war Italian tax codes.
This car is a 202SC Spyder Pinifarina Cabriolet #0126. It was constructed by Cisitalia circa 1950/51 and arrived stateside in the 1970’s. The car was located by Stan Nowak, and eventually shipped to California where it was restored by Steve Tillack. It was then shown at Pebble Beach and also used in vintage rallies.
A decade later the car was purchased by the current owner. He had it mechanically re-restored at Automotive Restorations of Stratford, CT. It is driven frequently, weather permitting and is a wonderful example of rolling Italian sculpture.
Design and Features
-
Engine: The Cisitalia 202 SC (Sport Coupe) is powered by a 1.1-liter inline-four engine derived from Fiat. Despite its small size, the engine was tuned to produce around 60 horsepower, which was impressive for the period and provided lively performance for the lightweight car.
-
Chassis and Suspension: The car features a tubular steel frame and a lightweight aluminum body, which contributed to its agility and performance. The suspension system includes independent front suspension with transverse leaf springs and a live rear axle with coil springs, providing a balance of handling and comfort.
-
Bodywork: The most notable feature of the Cisitalia 202 SC is its body, designed by Pinin Farina (later Pininfarina). The design is celebrated for its elegant and flowing lines, with an integrated and aerodynamic shape that was revolutionary for its time. The 202 SC's design is often considered one of the first examples of a "modern" car in terms of aesthetics and aerodynamics.
-
Interior: The interior of the 202 SC is refined and functional, featuring high-quality materials such as leather upholstery and a well-designed dashboard. The focus was on providing a comfortable and stylish environment for the driver and passenger.
Historical Significance
-
Design Innovation: The Cisitalia 202 SC is widely regarded as a design masterpiece. Its sleek, aerodynamic lines and cohesive form were groundbreaking, setting new standards for automotive design. The car's design was so influential that a model was included in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.
-
Racing Pedigree: Although primarily a road car, the Cisitalia 202 SC also had success in motorsport. Its lightweight construction and responsive handling made it competitive in races such as the Mille Miglia, where it performed admirably against larger and more powerful cars.
-
Post-War Symbol: The 202 SC is a symbol of Italy's post-war resurgence, showcasing the country's ability to produce world-class engineering and design. It helped to re-establish Italy as a leader in the automotive industry.
Collectibility
-
Rarity: Only about 170 units of the Cisitalia 202 were produced, making it a rare and highly sought-after collector's item. Its rarity, combined with its historical and aesthetic significance, makes it highly desirable among classic car enthusiasts.
-
Value: The Cisitalia 202 SC commands high prices at auctions and among private collectors. Well-preserved examples and those with documented histories are particularly valuable, often fetching significant sums.
Legacy
-
Design Influence: The Cisitalia 202 SC's design has had a lasting impact on automotive styling. Its influence can be seen in many subsequent car designs, both in terms of its aerodynamic principles and its emphasis on form and function.
-
Cultural Impact: The car's inclusion in the MoMA and its recognition as a design icon have cemented its place in both automotive and art history. It continues to be celebrated as a pinnacle of design and engineering.
You may purchase a print of the 1951 Cisitalia 202 SC in our dElegance 2014 online gallery.
