Among the great pre-war Italian sports cars, the Fiat 508 CS Balilla Berlinetta MM holds a special place. Designed at a time when aerodynamics and sporty performance were beginning to shape the future of the automobile, this model is today among the most coveted and rare creations from Fiat’s early history. Of the cars originally built, only a few have stood the test of time, making every authentic Balilla exceptionally important to collectors of pre-war Italian automobiles. Registration for the Mille Miglia is also very straightforward.
The Fiat Balilla 508 CS was a true race car. It was originally built in two versions: the Coppa d’Oro and the lightweight Mille Miglia, both of which were fast cars for their engine displacement. The 508 CS Balilla Berlinetta Mille Miglia was produced in limited numbers and is likely the most attractive model in the series, with a design reminiscent of the Bugatti Atlantic.
The example offered here is without a doubt one of the most striking survivors. Finished in its original blue color scheme and blessed with exceptional provenance, the car remained in the possession of a single French owner for over half a century. Such an unbroken ownership history is a rarity these days and underscores the care and dedication with which this exceptional Fiat has been cherished for decades. Naturally, this long period of ownership has been documented and captured in photographs.
After this long period of careful ownership, the Balilla underwent an uncompromising restoration by the Dutch company Classic Mike in Zeewolde, a restorer internationally recognized for its craftsmanship and respect for originality. The result is a restoration that not only fully showcases the elegance and technical refinement of the original design but also meets the highest standards set within the international concours world.
The quality of this restoration did not go unnoticed. In 2020, the car was selected to participate in the legendary Mille Miglia, where it was driven by Ton Roks, editor-in-chief of the renowned automotive magazine Octane. Participation in this historic race is recognized as a testament to both authenticity and historical significance and confirms the exceptional status of this particular example. As part of the photo feature we created on the Balilla, Ton Roks also granted us permission to include the report on its participation in the Mille Miglia, for which we are grateful.
After a long period of French ownership, the Balilla is now part of an extremely exclusive Dutch collection of important classic automobiles and has been honored at some of Europe’s most prestigious concours d’élégance, including events in the Netherlands, the Zoute Grand Prix in Belgium, and the renowned Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. At Villa d’Este, it even received the trophy for the best-restored car.
Such awards, presented at leading concours d’élégance, are granted exclusively to automobiles that excel in the quality of their restoration, authenticity, presentation, and historical significance. Speaking of presentation: in addition to all the important documents, the car comes with a small box in which the restoration process has been documented in a highly original manner. Pieces of original upholstery, sheet metal, wood components, and photographs can thus be beautifully displayed and preserved.
It is precisely the combination of exceptional rarity, long-term and meticulous ownership, a restoration of the highest caliber, an impressive concours history, and participation in the Mille Miglia that sets this example apart from virtually every other surviving Fiat 508 CS Berlinetta MM. For the serious collector, this Fiat Balilla represents not only one of the most elegant and exceptional automobiles, but also a rare opportunity to acquire a car that ranks among the absolute best of its model. Exemplars of this quality and with such provenance rarely appear on the international market.
With this magnificent Balilla, we offer the unique opportunity to purchase something truly special that will make you a welcome guest at any event around the world.
Technical Information
Engine: 4-cylinder inline engine
Displacement: 995 cc
Power: 36 PS
Top speed: 115 km/h
Weight: 685 kg
Transmission: 4-speed manual
