Cisitalia 36 DF
Chassis
#103E317237
The Cisitalia 36 DF was a limited-production grand touring coupé developed in the late 1950s, representing one of the final chapters in the history…
Vehicle Overview
The Cisitalia 36 DF was a limited-production grand touring coupé developed in the late 1950s, representing one of the final chapters in the history of Cisitalia Autocostruzioni. Founded in the immediate postwar period by Piero Dusio, the company became known for its advanced sports car designs and close association with Italian engineering traditions. By the time of the 36 DF’s conception, Cisitalia had transitioned from pure racing machines to more refined, road-going vehicles constructed on Fiat mechanical underpinnings. The chassis of the 36 DF was derived from the Fiat 1100/103 series, a compact and mechanically robust platform frequently employed by Italian coachbuilders for low-volume production. The powertrain consisted of a naturally aspirated 1.1-liter inline four-cylinder engine equipped with an overhead valve configuration, producing approximately 52 horsepower. This was paired with a four-speed manual gearbox and a rear-wheel-drive layout. The vehicle’s kerb weight, approximately 780 kilograms, supported a top speed in the range of 145 kilometers per hour, consistent with the performance expectations of mid-century touring cars in its displacement class. The bodywork was executed by Carrozzeria Canta of Turin, a lesser-known Italian coachbuilder active during the 1950s. The design reflected streamlined proportions, subdued ornamentation, and a focus on cabin ergonomics. The coupé accommodated a 2+2 seating arrangement and employed a steel body over a tubular steel frame. The wheelbase measured 2,340 millimeters, with an overall length of approximately 4,100 millimeters. Design contributions have been attributed in part to Aldo Brovarone, later of Pininfarina, whose early stylistic sensibilities were evident in the vehicle’s restrained profile. Production of the 36 DF was extremely limited, with no precise figures available. Surviving examples are scarce, and at least one known chassis, 103E317237, was initially exported to Argentina under Fiat badging due to prevailing market conditions. Subsequent restoration efforts reasserted its identity as a Cisitalia. The Cisitalia 36 DF occupies a marginal yet significant place in postwar Italian automotive development, positioned at the intersection of coachbuilt craftsmanship and industrial rationalization. It remains a discreet expression of the country’s mid-century design ethos, executed on a compact and utilitarian base with refined attention to form.
Technical Specifications
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Body
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Year1958
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MakeCisitalia
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Model36 DF
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CoachbuilderCanta
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Units built3
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