Cisitalia 202
1946 Cisitalia 202 MM Aerodinamico Coupe
Cisitalia 202 Classic Tyres
- The 1947-1952 Cisitalia 202 fitted 5.00 - 15 crossply tyres.
- For the race track the tyre we recommend in the size 5.00 - 15 is the 5.00 x 15 R5 Dunlop Racing.
- Dunlop racing tyres made for 15” wheels are not road legal. (Unlike the earlier Dunlop Racing tyres).
- For the road we would suggest the best Cisitalia 202 tyres would be the 155 HR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67.
- The 202 will need the Michelin 15E innertube, as this Cisitalia was fitted Borrani wire wheels.
Cisitalia 202 Recommended Tyres
Other Options for Cisitalia 202 Tyres
History of the Cisitalia 202
The Cisitalia 202 is a very important example of the advances of post-war bodywork. It was a marvel both aesthetically and technically with its Pininfarina (although some were made by Vignale or Stabilimenti Farina) constructed aluminium body. The body was designed based on studies on aerodynamics for racing cars and then complexly constructed as a single aluminium shell with the bonnet, body, wings, and even the headlights were integral constructions in the sleek surface designed rather than being separate constructions added on in the production line. This all-in-one approach to the design leads to a flowing body that has no edges, just a smooth construction that bevels and curves, really giving a sense of luxury and speed. The very design of the car is artistic, almost like a renaissance painting, as such, the MoMA (Museum of Modern Arts) in New York honoured the Pinin Farina design in 1951 and it houses a 202 as part of its permanent collection of art pieces.
The 202 was never made as a large scale production, largely due to its handmade and complex construction as well as the production costs, this meant a total of 170 Cisitalia 202 models were produced between 1947 and 1952.
There were a few other variants produced, however, largely due to the design process not being a full-scale production line, meaning there was a fair amount of room to adapt the design as models were constructed. The most popular of these is the Cisitalia 202 SMM (Spider Millie Miglia), named after the famous race that the car would later compete in, achieving a second overall and a first in class victory, despite having a competition with much larger engines.
The 202 was not a success economically at all for Cisitalia, but that's not what's important about the car. The love and inspiration that went into the design of the car, to make something incredibly innovative and beautifully built were key to the future of automobile bodywork. Italy was continuing a focus on aerodynamics in their cars, something Italy and Pininfarina started with the Lancia Aprilia was making their staple in the sports cars of the period, and the Cisitalia 202 may have been the Magnum Opus of this focus.