Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 094394
Engine No. 001180
When unveiled in the Spring of 1931, the Fiat 508 faced stiff
competition from its international rivals in the hotly contested
small car class to find buyers not only at home in Italy, but
across Europe. This prompted the consistent evolution of the model
that resulted in the overhead-valve 508 S in 1934. Powered by a
995-cc inline-four, power increased from 22 horsepower to a
spritely 36. The power increase permitted the transmission to be
upgraded to a more sophisticated four-speed unit with synchronizers
on the top two gears. In the crucible of motorsports, the cars
proved to be fierce competitors with these upgrades, winning the
light car class during the 1936 Monte Carlo Rally and capturing
numerous other pre-war races across Europe.
Offered with an array of body styles for both street and racing
use, the Berlinetta Aerodinamica was a streamlined coupe ideally
suited for competition Mille Miglia-a race of national pride among
all Italians. This particular example, chassis number 094394, was
sold new in Milan, with the first registration plate issued on 25
May 1936. Documents from the Automobile Club d'Italia (ACI) show
the car was subsequently registered in Bergamo, Como, Brescia, for
nearly 60 years until Tabacchi Sergio of Ferrara purchased it on 13
December 1992. Under his stewardship, the car was raced in the 1995
Mille Miglia Storica, finishing first in the Class B group. The car
was then purchased in 1998 by Dennis Machul of Oak Brook, Illinois,
who imported the rare Fiat to the United States.
Once in America, the car was shown at the 2006 Concorso Italiano,
where it was picked as Autoweek's favorite car on display. It was
also shown at the 2007 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance. Not just
for concours displays, the car fulfilled its sporting nature when
used in Brian Redman's 2007 Barnstorming Maine tour. Shortly
thereafter the car was acquired by the current owner in 2014. Since
jthen, the car has been maintained and cared that it has remained
in a splendid condition today. As a result, this exquisite and
rarely seen Fiat remains a captivating example of a small but
potent entry today to some of the most exclusive automotive events
worldwide, including the modern rendition of the legendary Mille
Miglia.
