1950 Cisitalia Type 202, Pinin Farina

The Cisitalia Type 202 is a quintessential example of Italian automotive design, marked by a remarkable collaboration between the famed car designer, Pinin Farina and Cisitalia engineers. It is a sports car that was built between 1947 and 1952, which embodies a fine balance of aesthetics and cutting-edge engineering technologies.

One of the most notable aspects of the Cisitalia Type 202 is its lightweight construction, which made it unique in the sports car industry at the time. It weighs only 1600 lbs, which is impressively low, considering that it has an overall length of 153 inches and a width of 62 inches. Its body was made of aluminum and steel, which was a radical departure from the bulky and excessive designs of many cars of the era.

The car's aerodynamic shape, designed by Pinin Farina, was a significant contributing factor to its performance on the road. The Type 202 incorporated various design elements to reduce air resistance, such as a tapered rear quarter and a fan-shaped space where the windshield meets the hood. The Cisitalia Type 202 Pinin Farina boasted a Cd of 0.36, which was exceptionally low for the time and helped to enhance its overall performance.

Under the hood, the Cisitalia Type 202 features a 1.1-liter four-cylinder engine producing an output of 60 horsepower. It was a DOHC engine, featuring twin Weber carburetors and dry sump lubrication. The engine was mated to a four-speed manual transmission, which provided a smooth and accurate shift. This configuration enabled the car to achieve a top speed of 105 mph.

The Cisitalia Type 202's chassis was a thing of beauty. It was built on a ladder-type frame with a front and rear suspension utilizing unequal-length A-arms. The suspension was highly advanced for the era, incorporating hydraulic shock absorbers and coiled springs, which provided a smooth ride and agile handling.

The car's braking system was equally impressive, featuring hydraulic drums on all four wheels, which provided excellent stopping power. The steering system was also highly advanced, with precise and responsive worm and peg steering.

In conclusion, the Cisitalia Type 202 Pinin Farina 1950 is a symbol of Italian automotive excellence. Its lightweight, aerodynamic design, advanced suspension system, and highly responsive steering all contributed to its success on the road. The combination of beauty, innovation, and performance has made it an icon in the history of Italian sports cars.