Notifications
Clear all
The Lounge
10
Posts
6
Users
32
Reactions
72
Views
Topic starter
22/05/2026 8:25 am
1935 Fiat 508 S “Balilla” Berlinetta Aerodinamica
From the http://www...
Italy’s drive toward aerodynamic racing design during the mid-1930s produced some remarkable competition machines, among them the 1935 Fiat 508 S “Balilla” Berlinetta Aerodinamica. Its sleek, contoured bodywork was developed specifically for high-speed endurance events such as the legendary Mille Miglia road race.
Under the teardrop-shaped aluminum body sat a 995-cc inline-four engine producing approximately 36 horsepower, thanks to a revised cylinder head and upgraded carburetor. While modest by modern standards, this output was impressive for its displacement class at the time.
Power was delivered to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission, and the car featured hydraulic brakes (advanced equipment for its era).
The Berlinetta Aerodinamica body style featured a low, flowing profile with partially enclosed rear wheels and a smoothly curved roofline designed to minimize aerodynamic drag. This focus on efficiency over brute power allowed the lightweight Fiat (weighing around 1,500 lb / 680 kg) to sustain high speeds across Italy’s demanding open-road courses.
Only about eleven examples of the 508 S Berlinetta Aerodinamica were built, making surviving cars extremely rare today. The 508 S stands as an early example of how intelligent engineering and aerodynamic innovation enabled smaller-displacement cars to compete successfully against much larger rivals
This topic was modified 1 day ago by John Bono
John Bono
North Jersey
22/05/2026 8:43 am
The use of small displacement engines by the European car makers has always fascinated me. The design of this car is really great but I wonder why they didn't make the trim on the skirts horizontal.
Topic starter
22/05/2026 8:50 am
Bob, I had the same thought.
The design of this car is really great but I wonder why they didn't make the trim on the skirts horizontal.
John Bono
North Jersey
Jack Dodds and Tony Perrone reacted
22/05/2026 9:18 am
There's a few quirky styling cues but also a lot to like about the diminutive car!
Jack Dodds and John Bono reacted
22/05/2026 6:27 pm
Cute!
Retired in Dunedin, Florida.
22/05/2026 10:34 pm
another really interesting selection, thanks John. A convertible was also made:
The Fiat 508 S “Balilla” Coppa d’Oro spider is the legendary open-top sister model to the Berlinetta Aerodinamica. Routinely featured on premier automotive lifestyle platforms like the Classic Driver Marketplace, this stunning, lightweight roadster is celebrated as the grandfather of the small Italian sports car formula.
Topic starter
22/05/2026 10:45 pm
Geoff, thanks for the info and the pics.another really interesting selection, thanks John. A convertible was also made:
The Fiat 508 S “Balilla” Coppa d’Oro spider is the legendary open-top sister model to the Berlinetta Aerodinamica. Routinely featured on premier automotive lifestyle platforms like the Classic Driver Marketplace, this stunning, lightweight roadster is celebrated as the grandfather of the small Italian sports car formula.
John Bono
North Jersey
22/05/2026 10:58 pm
...now that is a real chick magnet. Every woman in the world would say, "Awe, how cute - this is adorable!" I'm I right? 😉 😉 It's like cruising around with a puppy. 😀 😀
23/05/2026 5:49 am
I think I like the roadster version slightly more than the Berlinetta. It sits a tad too high for my liking but otherwise is a super unique car!!
Geoff Jowett and John Bono reacted