Cisitalia was an iconic Italian car brand from 1946 to 1952. It was one of the most renowned and sought-after car brands in the country's history. The company's fascinating developments made it a desirable brand to many.
Cisitalia was founded in 1946 by industrialist Piero Dusio, who wanted to create a representational car for Italy. It was the first automobile manufacturer entirely in the hands of Italians and soon became one of the most beloved car brands in Italian history.
Their portfolio included racing cars and many remarkable sports cars, including the 202 GT and the 206 S. The vehicles were characterized for having a very artistic and bold design that is still applauded today.
The company was involved in Formula One, with their 330-F1-P, which had a brief but successful racing career. It was also the first car to have pneumatic shock absorbers – allowing it to run smoothly at high speeds.
Cisitalia was the first sports car to feature electric direction indicators and air-conditioning in the 1950s. These modern advances were considered pioneering in their time and gave Cisitalia cars a distinct appeal.
The company made the famous 202 SMM Nuvolari-Spider, the world's first all-plastic car. It was made using an innovative technique that allowed for a lightweight and aerodynamic supercar – now a valuable collector's item.
Cisitalia was one of the first carmakers to produce cars with a modern powertrain – the Fiat-based engine. This allowed for more efficient and powerful vehicles, ultimately leading to the brand's continued reputation as one of the premier Italian carmakers.
Cisitalia broke limits regarding speed – they were the first car maker to develop a car capable of reaching speeds up to 150 mph. This impressive feat was achieved with their 208 S, a lightweight prototype they developed in the late 1950s.
The company was a major innovator in using fiberglass and carbon fiber to produce lighter and more aerodynamic car bodies. This allowed them to create unique and highly efficient cars with powerful engines.
Cisitalia also had an impressive research center, which focused on improving the aerodynamics and power of their vehicles. For many years, this helped keep their cars at the forefront of automotive technology.
Cisitalia was a pioneering carmaker in racing technology and advanced engine design – they developed some of the first multi-valve, four-stroke engines in the 1950s. This advanced engineering benefited their cars, giving them an edge over their competitors.
