Cisitalia 202 S Cassone

Vehicle Overview

The Cisitalia 202 S Cassone is a singular prototype racing automobile constructed in 1947 by the Italian manufacturer Cisitalia. It was commissioned during a period of intense post-war innovation in the Italian automotive industry, when limited resources and revived competitive ambition led to experimental designs combining lightweight construction with advanced aerodynamics. The term “Cassone,” an informal Italian word meaning “large box,” references the vehicle’s distinctive, squared-off rear section, a functional design element intended to reduce aerodynamic drag and enhance stability at speed. Designed by Giovanni Savonuzzi and bodied by Carrozzeria Motto, the 202 S “Cassone” utilized a tubular steel chassis architecture, a typical practice for low-volume competition cars of the era. The powertrain comprised a modified 1.1-liter inline-four engine derived from Fiat mechanicals, which was extensively reworked to deliver higher performance. Output was estimated at approximately 55 horsepower, transmitted to the rear wheels through a manual gearbox. The vehicle’s lightweight construction, combined with its streamlined form, permitted competitive performance metrics despite modest engine displacement. The “Cassone” achieved particular historical significance through its performance in the 1947 Mille Miglia, where it was piloted by Inico Bernabei and Tullio Pacini. It secured third place overall, a remarkable accomplishment considering its limited power output and prototype status. The vehicle’s success was attributed to both its mechanical reliability and its aerodynamic efficiency, which allowed it to maintain high average speeds over the course of the grueling thousand-mile race. Although constructed as a one-off, the 202 S “Cassone” played a formative role in the development of the Cisitalia 202 series, influencing both chassis design and aerodynamic strategy in subsequent models. Its legacy was indirectly extended by the Cisitalia 202 GT, bodied by Pininfarina, which was later recognized by the Museum of Modern Art for its contribution to industrial design. The 202 S “Cassone” remains a rare and highly regarded artifact of early post-war motorsport and Italian automotive design, representing the confluence of racing utility and experimental form during a pivotal moment in automotive history. Its preservation and study continue to inform understanding of mid-century race car development and coachbuilding practices.