FIAT 508 and 508S Sedan, Spider and Berlinetta Aerodinamica 1932-1937

FIAT 508 Balilla -An Italian car for all Italians

The Fiat 508, also known as the "Balilla", made its official debut at the 1932 Milan Motor Show on April 17th to 27th. Presented in the original 3-speed version, it represented the most popular Fiat produced since the company's foundation. The Sedan list price was 10.800 lire. With the "Balilla" there was also a change in how models were identified and, for the first time, the design number was replaced by a model name.
Three body styles were offered: the 2 door Sedan, The Torpedo and the Spider. First deliveries of the 508 began on the 15th of July 1932.

With the commercial success of this vehicle, Fiat also increased production for foreign markets, in particular with SIMCA in France and NSU in Germany.
By 1935, a total of 112.000 "Balillas" had been produced.
Engine 108-995 cc-20 hp at 3400 rpm-side valves-compression ratio 5.8:1
top speed 85 kph
Dimensions: 314 cm length-140 cm width-153 cm height - weight 685 kg

FIAT 508 S - Balilla Spider Mille Miglia or Coppa d'Oro -the 'Queen' of the 1100s.

The celebrated racing version of the "Balilla" was unveiled at the Milan Motor Show in 1933. Named the '508S', this model resulted from the good intuition of the coachbuilder GHIA. FIAT purchased the design and, with a few changes, put it into production. This was the period of the Targa Florio, the Mille Miglia and the Coppa d'Oro: the small spider with its handsome, elegant design (including scooped-out doors, a small rear spoiuler and elongated fenders immediately became the queen of the 1100 cc class. It was easy to handle, with excellent road grip, and enabled enthusiasts to eace even if they could not afford the more competitive but significantly more expensive Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Sport. The car was offered with two engines: the 30 bhp 108S with side valves and the 108 CS. The second of the two, with overhead valves and 36 horsepower, was coupled with a four speed transmission and lengthened wheelbase. The 508S was also essentially produced in two versions: the Mille Miglia which was distinguished by separate fenders (similar to a motorcycle) and the model Coppa d'Oro with sweeping fenders joined to the running boards.
In June 2016, one 1935 Fiat 508 Balilla Sport Spider was sold for Euros £ 48.300 (Euros 56.511) at Bonhams Auction at Goodwood Festival of Speed.
In february 2019, one 1933 Fiat 508 Balilla Coppa d'Oro Spider was sold for Euros 110.400 at Bonhams Auction Sale in Paris.

The Fiat 508 S built in France by SIMCA was entered at the 1937 Le Mans 24 Hours under the name Simca Six Gordini and finished 12th overall for Just Emile Vernet and Suzanne Largeot while another Simca Six Gordini driven by Jean Viale and Albert Alin finished 17th overall and was the last car on the finishing line over 49 automobiles participating in the events. The Simca Six entered in the race had been modified by Amédé Gordini. Amédée Gordini was participating in a third car together with Philippe Maillard Bruce but did not finish due to premature fluids renewal.
Engine 108 supercharged with four cylinders- 996 cc- 36 hp at 4400 rpm-108S-side valve-508CS overhead valve-compression ratio 7.1:1
Top speed 115 kph
Dimensions: 373 cm length-140 cm width-136 cm height -Weight 625 kg

FIAT 508CS Berlinetta Aerodinamica Mille Miglia 1934-37

Based on an idea by Coachbuilder GHIA with a prototype developed in 1933 in a wind tunnel, the Fiat 508 CS Berlinetta is considered the top of the Balilla family with the Spiders Coppa d'Oro. The Fiat 508CS Berlinetta is fitted with an aerodynamic coupe body  with fluid line with fully integrated fenders.  The Fiat 508CS Berlinetta Aerodinamica may be considered as a source of inspiration for later streamlined coupe by Pourtout ,Chapron, Figoni & Falashi or other famous coachbuilders of the time. About 100 examples were completed and it is estimated that only five are still in running condition.
In 2018 at RM Sotheby Auction in Monaco, a Fiat 508 CS Berlinetta Aerodinamica was sold for Euros 381.875. In 2019 another Fiat 508 CS Berlinetta Aerodinamica was sold for Euros 200.900 at Aguttes Auction Sale.

Text and Photos P. DAMIENS - Source: All the Fiats- Editoriale Domus 1996
Le Mans Official History 1930-39-Quentin Spurring - Bonhams Classic Car Auction 2016- Aguttes Auction 2019
Il Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile di Torino
Centro Storico Fiat Torino

Wallpapers of the FIAT 508 and 508S Sedan, Spider and Berlinetta Aerodinamica 1932-1937 (click on image to enlarge)