Description
Problably the most successful and well documented Fiat Balilla 508S in existence.
'CMG 99' was registered new in May 1935 as one of 36 UK imported 508S cars and sold to Christopher Le Strange Metcalfe, a well known and respected racer.
Bodied in the UK, all 36 cars were skinned in aluminium, unlike their European counterparts and all were right hand drive.
Their success on the track is well documented and their performance in the Mille Miglia legendary.
Metcalfe raced this car from new until he sold it in 1955, with the only gap being 1939-45, when he, as a special agent living in Nazi Germany performed his duty and returned home as a decorated war hero, to the racer and in his own words 'drove from London to Italy and back without mishap' - a victory parade.
Pre-war CMG competed all over the UK, including numerous outings at Brooklands (with original race programmes to verify!), Goodwood (post-war) Silverstone, Boreham and most UK tracks, where it was driven, raced and driven home again. We have original pictures from Motorsport Magazine, with Mike Hawthorn alongside CMG (in a difffernt racing class!) and various period and original photos on file.
By the time of sale in 1955, the diminutive racer had clocked over 25 1st place vitories, with numerous high-placed standings (second and third) as well.
The exploits of Metcalfe and his Fiat were documented in an Autocar article 'Balilla with a dosier' in December 1952, with the modifications such as longer range fuel tank, aluminium larger sump and Zenith carburettor, all of which are still fitted to the car. We have all of the original photos used for the magazine with the car.
Owned in the UK for approximately 30 years by Cyril Hancock, the little Fiat was pressed into service again and raced at club level with many pictures accompanying the extensive documented history of the.
Purchased by us in 2015, where it had found it's way to Brescia (of all places), we carried out a full and detailed engine rebuild immediately and has covered fewer than 3000 miles since. Engine number 506 has been with CMG since the days of Metcalfe (having reputedly destroyed 161 following a supercharging experiment).
Tuned in period by VH Tuson, we have a picture on file of Mr Tuson driving CMG himself in 1967.
Eligible for virtually all important pre-war events, especially the Mille Miglia, CMG is unique and important part of Fiat history. Supplied with numerous orignal spares and in great driveable condition - never to be repeated!
