In the context of the immediate post-war inviting to imagine a new life, Cisitalia is highly innovative. Their first model is the D 46 for the Formula One. The sport model Cisitalia 202 can be equipped with the Spyder bodywork, a term coined by Cisitalia that will be reused by Porsche who was personally closely linked to Dusio.
The body is designed after wind tunnel tests, with observations of the airflow altogether over the body and below the chassis. In 1946 Cisitalia is assisted by Alfredo Vignale then a foreman at Stabilimento Farina. Dusio is so pleased with the achievement of Vignale that he presents him with an extra gratification which enables the coach builder to create his own business.
In 1947 the 202 CMM (Coupe Mille Miglia) is a joint project of Cisitalia and Vignale. The car is spectacular with its aerodynamic shape of a coupe reinforced by two very high rear fins anticipating the stabilizers that will much later make the glory of the Jaguar D-Type.
Only one other car is made on this model, in 1948. It participates in some prestigious competitions in Italy and follows Dusio in 1949 when he transfers his company in Argentina due to financial issues. This car is estimated $ 2M for sale by Gooding in Pebble Beach on August 21, lot 123. It is illustrated in the press release beside the previously discussed Fiat Abarth and an Aston Martin.
A 202 which had not however the fins of the CMM is described in 1951 as a Rolling sculpture by a curator of the MoMA and rewarded by a permanent exhibition in the museum.
unsold
Presenting this 1946 #Cisitalia 202 CMM, with striking streamlined coachwork by #Vignale, at #PebbleBeach Auctions! pic.twitter.com/y1BMHYkR86
— Gooding & Company (@GoodingCompany) June 21, 2016