FIAT 508S Balilla Sport 1932-1937

The Fiat 508, otherwise known as the Balilla, made its official debut at the 1932 Milan International Motor Show, held between 17th and 27th April that year. With its three-speed gearbox, it represented the first Fiat entry into the low price popular car category since the establishment of the Company.

	Fiat 508 Balilla 3 Speed 1932-1934

Three body types were offered, all of steel construction throughout - two door saloon, four-seat tourer and two-seater.

With the 508 model the rectangular Fiat badge came into being. First deliveries of the 508 were made on 15th July 1932.  The engine was the Type 108 witrh four cylinder in line engine. With 995 cc capacity and 5.8:1 compression ratio, it produced 20 bhp at 3400 rpm. The unladen weight of a two-door saloon was 685 kg (1510 lb.). Overall dimensions were 2250 mm (7 ft 4,5 in.) wheelbase, 3440 mm (11 ft 3,5 in.) length, 1400 mm (4 ft 7,2 in.) width and 1530 mm 5 ft 0,25 in.) heigth. The maximum speed announced for 85 kph (53 mph) and the average fuel consumption is quoted at 8 litres per 100 km ( 35 mpg).  A high performance version of the Balilla was also produced. The compression ratio was raised to 6.6:1, the power output increased 26 bhp at 3500 rpm., vacuum advance and retard was standard, the final drive ratio was raised to 4,875:1 and maximum speed went up to 95 kph (59 mph).

From 1933 the compression ratio of the standard model was increased to 6.3:1. Up to 1934 the total Balilla production reached 41.395.

Fiat 508S Balilla Sport 1932-1937

	Fiat 508S Balilla Sport 1932-1937

The sports version of the Balilla, the 508S - for sports- was exhibited for the first time at the 1933 Milan Motor Show, held from 17th to 27th April that year.

The open two-seat 'Spider' bodywork was both original and successful; it was the work of Ghia coachbuilder. Fiat adquired the design and put it into production with minor modifications.

There were in fact two models: the Coppa d'Oro (Gold Cup) model with sweeping front fenders blending into the running boards and the Mille Miglia model with cycle type front fenders.
The first series of the 508S produced were fitted with the 108S type engine - the side valve 30 bhp unit. The second series introduced in 1934 was fitted with the 108 CS 46 bhp overhead valve engine. This series also had a four-speed gearbox and a slightly longer wheelbase.

In 1933, soon after the original two-seater version was introduced, a coupe with closed aerodynamic bodywork was also announced.

This was the period of the Targa Florio, the Mille Miglia and the Coppa d'Oro. The small spider with its handsome, elegant design immediately became the 'queen' of the 1.100 cc class with its scooped-out doors, a small rear spoiler and elongated fenders. The Fiat 508S Balilla Sport was easy to handle, with excellent road grip, and enabled enthusiasts to race even if they could not afford the more competitive but significantly more expensive Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Sport.

The top speed for the Balilla Sport is announced at 115 kph. Unladen weight is 625 kg. Dimensions are 3730 mm length, 1400 mm width and 1360 mm heigth.

wallpaper of the FIAT 508S Balilla Sport 1932-1937 ( click on the photo to enlarge)