In 1947, as the founder of new marque Cisitalia, Piero Dusio, commissioned Pinin Farina to design what would become his company’s first sports car. Named the 202, it was first exhibited at the Villa d’Este Gold Cup and later the 1947 Paris Motor Show, with its design considered radical and a turning point in post-war automobile design. Resting under the bonnet was a 1,089-cc four cylinder engine developing 70 brake horsepower. The company built approximately 170 coupés and convertibles between 1947 and 1952, with the majority receiving coachwork from Vignale, Stabilimenti Farina, or Pinin Farina.

This car, chassis 165 SC, is believed to be one of the 153 coupés built, and features Vignale coachwork. Thought to be delivered new to Argentina, automotive historian Cristián Bertschi has uncovered part of the car’s story in South America. First known to be owned by a Rodolfo Iriarte in Buenos Aires, he used chassis 165 SC to take his children to school in the late-1960s, but parted ways with the car in 1972 when requiring a car for his wife. A copy of the 1972 sales advertisement is on file. Acquired by the 25-year-old motoring enthusiast Enrique Escobar, he stored his beloved Cisitalia at the Club de Automóviles Clásicos and regularly raced in Club de Automóviles Sport events in the 1970s. Parting ways with chassis 165 SC in 1975, the car was sold to Antonio Mieres and later Mauricio Bramson, who exhibited this 202 SC Coupé at the 1977 Salón del Automóvilismo Antiguo in Buenos Aires.

While the later history is not documented, during the 1980s the car was likely exported to Italy, and by 1995 was owned by a Daniele Salodini, who obtained an ASI Passport. Acquired by the consigning owner in 2014, this Cisitalia 202 SC Coupé is accompanied by FIVA and ASI passports. The history file contains photographs and documentation from the car’s time in Argentina.

Today, chassis 165 SC is finished in an elegant shade of burgundy, further complemented by a dark red leather interior. Bidders should note that the engine is believed to be a restamped unit. As one of just a handful of surviving 202 SC Coupés, this example presents a wonderful opportunity to acquire an early post-war Italian sports car with fascinating provenance.