1935 Fiat 508 Balilla Coup in Monterey, California

Chassis No. 094394
Engine No. 001180

When unveiled in the Spring of 1932, 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 then, the car has been maintained and cared for, remaining in splendid condition today. As a result, this exquisite and rarely seen Fiat remains a captivating example of a small but potent entry to some of the most exclusive automotive events worldwide, including the modern rendition of the legendary Mille Miglia.