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| Fiat 508 Balilla Coupé 1933 |
Based on the highly successful 508 Balilla saloon - the first Fiat of the inter-war years to be named as well as numbered - the 508S Balilla Sport competition version was inspired by an original design by Carrozzeria Ghia. Fiat purchased the rights and manufactured two versions; the Coppa d'Oro (Gold Cup) and lightweight Mille Miglia, named after successes gained in these demanding long distance events. Clothed in stylish open two-seater bodywork with finned tail, the original Balilla was powered by a tuned version of the saloon's 995cc four-cylinder side valve engine. The latter drove the rear wheels via a three-speed gearbox and was installed in a cruciform braced chassis equipped with Lockheed hydraulic brakes and wire wheels. Introduced in 1934, the second series improved on this successful formula, adopting a four-speed synchromesh gearbox and an overhead-valve engine producing 46bhp. Despite its age, the Balilla Sport was still winning races in the immediately post-war years, adding to a formidable reputation built on numerous victories in classic events in the pre-World War 2 era, including the Mille Miglia, Monte Carlo Rally, Targa Florio, Spa Francorchamps 24-Hour, Ulster TT and Le Mans.
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