Cisitalia 202 Pininfarina

The Cisitalia 202 Pininfarina was unveiled in 1947 at the Milan Triennale exhibition of Coachbuilders. It was based on the Cisitalia 202 chassis engineered by Giovanni Savonuzzi. Approximately 170 examples were built between 1947 and 1952, including Berlinetta and Cabriolet variants, with production carried out at Stabilimenti Farina in Turin. The 202 represented the culmination of prewar design research and the transition to postwar automotive modernism, introducing continuous, unified body volumes without separate fenders or protruding elements. The body was formed in aluminium panels welded to a light tubular steel frame. The structure sat on a chromium–molybdenum steel tubular chassis with a 2,400 mm wheelbase. The Berlinetta’s proportions featured a compact hood, flowing roofline, and full rear volume with a defined window aperture. The integrated form replaced the segmented, additive styling typical of earlier cars. The front displayed a simple oval grille and recessed headlamps, while the curvature of the body was designed to guide air smoothly over the car. Mechanically, the Cisitalia 202 was powered by a 1,089 cc inline four-cylinder engine derived from the Fiat 1100, modified with a light-alloy head, twin Weber carburetors, and hemispherical combustion chambers. Power output was approximately 55 hp, delivered through a four-speed manual gearbox to the rear wheels. Suspension consisted of independent front wishbones with a transverse leaf spring and a rear live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs. Drum brakes were fitted on all four wheels. The car weighed around 780 kg and reached a top speed near 170 km/h. The Cisitalia 202 Pininfarina was hailed as a design milestone. In 1951, the Museum of Modern Art in New York permanently added one to its collection, describing it as a “rolling sculpture.” Arthur Drexler cited the 202 as the definitive synthesis of modern industrial form and automotive art.