Beschreibung:

Founded in 1939 by Piero Dusio to manufacture sports equipment, Consorzio Industriale Sportiva Italia (Cisitalia) amassed a fortune for its former soccer star owner making military uniforms during WW2. A motor racing enthusiast, Dusio used his wealth to become involved with the sport he loved, building the first Cisitalia competition car in 1946. This was an advanced monoposto with spaceframe chassis - the first time this method of construction had been used for a series-built racing car - powered by a modified FIAT 1100 engine. There being little else available at the time, the Cisitalia sold well and Dusio followed up this successful single-seater by building a two-seater sports car. Coupé and spyder versions were made, a racing version of the latter almost winning the Mille Miglia in 1947 with the legendary Tazio Nuvolari at the wheel. The fact that Nuvolari was able to lead the race in such a small-engined car speaks volumes for the Cisitalia's superior design, only the misfortune of a flooded magneto relegating him to second place. In 1948 Cisitalia introduced the hugely influential 202 Gran Sport coupé. Pinin Farina was responsible for styling the 202 which, with its elegant lines and integrated all-enveloping coachwork, set the pattern for every Gran Turismo that followed. Indeed, Pinin Farina and Cisitalia were uniquely honoured when the Museum of Modern Art in New York acquired a 202 for its collection. It was at this point that Dusio's ambition got the better of him; a supercharged 12-cylinder Grand Prix car was developed with the assistance of Ferdinand Porsche and Carlo Abarth among others, but the project all but bankrupted Cisitalia, forcing Piero Dusio to close down his Italian operation and re-locate to Argentina where he founded Autoar. Dusio took with him Ing. Renato Ciofi and a quantity of chassis, engines and other parts, and in 1952 began building Cisitalias again commencing with this car, chassis number 'SC 01' (Sport Competizione 01). The aluminium coachwork was inspired by that of the 202SMM Nuvolari Spyder, exhibiting only minimal differences, while the characteristic tubular chassis is slightly shorter at 2.30m (down from 2.40m). Numerous improvements were made, the engine being based on a stronger five-main-bearing Simca 1100 block rather than the original three-bearing FIAT, while the braking system features extra-large ventilated drums for racing. Built with left-hand drive (the Italian series was right-hand drive) the car features an original (and very rare) Cisitalia racing steering wheel, original racing instruments and Cisitalia badges. It was raced in Argentina by José Pacheco Alvear, subsequently being imported into Italy in 1988. It is reported as in excellent mechanical condition, the engine having been rebuilt 1,600km ago by Roberto Vesco and the transmission checked over in 2002. Both coachwork and interior are described as in 'good original' condition. The car is accompanied by Italian import papers confirming EU duties paid, and letter of authentication from Cisitalia International Club. It is sold as seen and offered without reserve. Cisitalia (Consorzio Industriale Sportiva Italia) est fondée en 1939 par Piero Dusio pour fabriquer des équipements de sport. Passionné de sport automobile, Dusio construit en 1946 sa première Cisitalia de compétition, une voiture monoplace. En 1948, il développe une 12 cylindres Grand Prix, en compagnie de Ferdinand Porsche et Carlo Abarth. Mais le projet le mène à la faillite. Contraint de fermer boutique en Italie, il part pour l'Argentine où il fonde Autoar. En 1952, avec l'ingénieur Renato Ciofi et s'aidant de nombreuses pièces, moteurs et châssis, il reprend la production de Cisitalia, à commencer par cet exemplaire, châssis n° "SC 01" (Sport Competizione 01). La carrosserie en aluminium s'inspire de celle de la Nuvolari Spyder 202SMM, avec des différences mineures, le châssis tubulaire caractéristique étant par exemple plus court (2,30m au lieu de 2