1935 Fiat 508 Copa D'Oro Mille Miglia Spyder

Fiat, (Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino) was founded in 1899 and is Italy's oldest surviving car manufacturer . The company's reputation for producing the people's cars of Italy was cemented fairly quickly, though characteristic Italian excitement has punctuated Fiat's story in the form of early racing successes and knack for wringing giant-slaying performance out of little cars.

The 508/Balilla, introduced at the Milan Motorshow of 1932, was a conventional small car available in several body styles. In 1933, Fiat introduced a more powerful 508S (Sport) and revised the list of available body styles to include a spider by Ghia and an aerodynamic coupe. More updates followed in 1934, with the introduction of a 4-speed gearbox to replace the original 3-speed and an even more powerful engine for the 508S with overhead valves and 36bhp.

In 1937, several important changes were made to the Balilla lineup. The most important change was that the Balilla received a new 1,089cc engine that used an aluminum head with overhead valves to produce 32bhp in standard trim.

It was for the 1938 Mille Miglia that Dante Giacosa turned the 508 into a successful racer. His enthusiastic spirit served him well at Fiat, enabling him to foster the creation of the 508 C MM (Mille Miglia) while in his early thirties.

Giacosa daringly experimented with aerodynamics while at Fiat, so it is fitting that the 508 C MM was created with a body as slippery as it was pretty. The sleek Fiat featured a 42bhp version of the 1,089cc overhead-valve engine. With its improved power output and aerodynamic shape, the 508 C MM was a superb car. Fiat and Giacosa were rewarded for their efforts when a 508 C MM placed first in its class at the 1938 Mille Miglia.

This fantastic car has been in single Italian ownership since 1957 until shipped to the UK in 2011 and purchased by our vendor. Upon its arrival the car was subject to a complete chassis-up restoration with the idea to enter the car in to the Mille Miglia and insure it would last the gruelling 1000 miles without any problems.

Once the body was removed the car was found to be in remarkably original and rust free condition. The wooden ash frame was repaired where needed and any sign of rust was replaced with new metal where necessary, whilst as much of the original metal and Ash frame was repaired and refinished. The engine has been completely rebuilt with new pistons, values and bearings to ensure smooth running for many miles to come. Similarly the suspension and brakes have had every bush and bracket handmade and expertly replaced.

Inside the minimal, sporting interior has also been recreated to high standard to provide many miles of comfortable motoring. Presented with the car is photographic evidence of the car before and during its restoration along with two period photographs of the car taking part in what appears to be an Italian road-rally, however, we cannot confirm which event and date exactly.

This is a truly delightful little car with excellent heritage that is sure to be welcomed to many prestigious events worldwide.