1947 Cisitalia 202 MM Aerodynamica

Generously Lent by Lawrence Auriana

·       Innovative and transformative postwar design

·       Designed to race in the 1947 Mille Miglia

·       Lightweight Pinin Farina body with Fiat 1100 mechanicals, one of five ever produced

·       Received the Sporting Choice Award at the 2023 Audrain Concours d’Elegance

This Cisitalia 202 MM Aerodynamica represents a major milestone in automotive design. Cisitalia, or “Compagnia Industriale Sportiva Italia,” was founded by wealthy enthusiast Piero Dusio with goals to utilize common Fiat running gear and suspension in sleek bodied racing cars. The 202 MM Aerodinamica was purpose built for the Mille Miglia, obviously with aerodynamics at the forefront of the design. There were 170 total of the 202 models produced, and there were likely just a handful of these Aerodinamicas built. This car is owned by renowned collector Lawrence Auriana and won the Sporting Choice special award at the 2023 Audrain Concours d’Elegance.

Many new marques looked to make an impact after the close of WWII, though Cisitalia and its lightweight formula and attractive aesthetic immediately made an impact. The company’s first two cars were single seat racing cars, the latter of which was designed by Ferdinand Porsche. Cisitalia progressed by commissioning Pinin Farina to build an aluminum body for the 202 in 1947. The backbone of the 202 series cars was a space frame chassis, an advanced and lightweight solution for the 1940’s that weighed less than 900 lbs. The 202GT that was shown at the 1947 was said to have helped to transform automotive design, so much so that a 202 was honored at the New York Museum of Modern Art in a 1951 exhibition.

The Cisitalia lineup utilized Fiat 500 Topolino mechanical components, with numerous improvements to produce more power. Engineers increased displacement to 1100 cc, added dry-sump lubrication and an Abarth twin-carburetor manifold to produce more than 60 horsepower (when the standard engines produced less than 15 horsepower.) This significantly high power to weight ratio allowed Cisitalia to compete at the highest level of motorsport, and in 1947, five Cisitalia 202s were entered in the grueling Mille Miglia. These bodies were all radically aerodynamic like this car on display, and a 202 Spyder piloted by Tazio Nuvolari was able to achieve a very respectable 2nd place finish in the race.

Specifications

Engine: 1100 cc inline 4-cylinder

Horsepower: 55 @ 5500 rpm

Transmission: 4-speed manual

Weight: 1750 lbs