1951 | FIAT Stanguellini Barchetta Sport

Why does this particular Stanguellini excite us so much?

Chassis CS 01113 is no ordinary Stanguellini. Originally a special order, it was delivered with Stanguellini’s well-proven upgraded single overhead cam engine based on the Fiat 1100 block – the same mechanical heart that powered many postwar Italian racing successes.

When it left the Modena factory, CS 01113 wore a classic barchetta body, identical to the factory entries that competed in the 1951 Mille Miglia. But its journey took a fascinating turn: it was soon converted by Carrozzeria Vignale into a one-off Vignale Cabriolet – the only example ever built on a Stanguellini chassis. This transformation was commissioned by passionate Belgian racing driver Georges De Wit, who raced the car in the 1951 Liège–Rome–Liège rally and the Tour de Belgique, making it part of Belgium’s motorsport history.

Years later, the car resurfaced in Belgium in poor condition and missing its unique Vignale body. That’s when renowned Italian collector Corrado Cupellini stepped in. With full cooperation from the Stanguellini Museum and the blessing of Francesco Stanguellini, son of founder Vittorio, the decision was made to restore CS 01113 to its original barchetta form.

Italian restorer Carlo Pirovano (Merate, near Bergamo) worked closely with the museum and received access to original factory drawings, ensuring the reconstructed body precisely matched the 1950s design. Francesco Stanguellini even personally visited to oversee and guide the restoration – a testament to the importance of this project.

Once completed, this authentic and beautifully restored Mille Miglia barchetta found its next home in Japan, where it actively participated in prestigious classic events. The car returned to Italy for the 2005 Gran Premio Nuvolari and the 2007 Historic Mille Miglia, reaffirming its place in the pantheon of Italian racing legends.

Today, CS 01113 presents in excellent condition throughout, mechanically on the button and ready for historic rallying or concours events. It is a textbook example of a true "etceterini" barchetta – rare, race-proven, and expertly documented in the Stanguellini book by Orsini and Zagari.

An unrepeatable opportunity for the discerning collector – with a rare blend of Italian craftsmanship and Belgian racing pedigree.

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