exceptional one of 4 fiat 508S Balilla's delivered to Ireland
exceptional one of 4 fiat 508S Balilla's delivered to Ireland
BZ 4078 was 1 of 4 Balilla 508S cars that came from italy as rolling chassis to the Fiat assembly plant in Wembley where there were bodied in an aluminium unlike the Italian cars which were steel bodied.
They were then shipped to Belfast where BZ4078 was by John McGrattan of Bangor County Down.
Together with W. McMillan, Tommy Black and Billy Sullivan BZ4078 competed in both Northern Ireland and Eire regularly until 1940 including the international Grand Prix at Phoenix Park on 11th September 1937.
In 1956 BZ 4078 was bought by Donald Martin Gregory of Southampton and after changing hands a couple of times was bought by Gilbert Richard Corliss of Loughborough in 1966. During his ownership BZ 4078 was extensively restored with a 508C engine being fitted which was more robust than the original 995 engine.
Purchased by myself in 2020 the car was given to DTR Sports Cars who are an exceptional team led by marque expert Paul De Turris. BZ4078 was then stripped down and subjected to a full and sympathetic restoration keeping as much as possible original and replacing the 508C engine with the correct 508S engine. The total cost of purchase and restoration was over £160,000 and no expense was spared. The car is mint.
Competed in early 2023 BZ 4078 has run faultlessly for about 200 miles and is in mint condition.
Eligible for virtually all pre war events, including the Mille Miglia, Targa Florio (a winner in 2016), Goodwood and many others. This is a unique opportunity to own and drive a piece of Italian motoring history.
The price is not advertised as i believe someone who knows these cars will know what they are worth and i am potentially open to interesting part exchanges so please don't waste time by sending 'how much?' emails.
Have this vehicle inspected by experts!
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