(Photo: Max Itin) THE CAR AND ITS OWNER
1947 Cisitalia 202 Vignale Cabriolet owned by Henry Miller
WHAT MAKES IT INTERESTING
When Italian businessman and amateur racer Piero Dusio founded Consorzio Industriale Sportivo Italia, or Cisitalia, after World War II, his singular goal was to make championship race cars to compete with Europe’s finest. Along with a single-seat Grand Prix racer in 1946 and other exceptional cars, his company built 160 of the two-seat 202s until 1952. They were not only great on the track, but the sinuous bodies were crafted by legendary coachbuilders Pinin Farina, Vignale and others. “These cars are works of art,” Miller says of his Cabriolet, one of only 60 202 convertibles made. “It’s right-hand drive and has very much an art deco interior. Check out the door handles, the window cranks and especially the emergency brakes.” Miller’s ride was on display at the 2016 Greenwich, Connecticut Concours d’Elegance. If you missed it, New York’s Museum of Modern Art has a stunning red 1946 coupe in its permanent collection.
HOW LONG HE’S OWNED IT
Since 2005
WHERE HE FOUND IT
Miller bought it from a Florida collector. It had previously been shipped from Argentina, where it was taken by Dusio after he went bankrupt and moved his operation there in 1949. The Cisitalia name lives on through an Argentine company building replica and concept cars.
CONDITION
The Cabriolet needed a 100-percent, ground-up restoration to take it back to its original appearance, with the decade-long work performed under the supervision of Kent Bain of Automotive Restorations, Inc. in Stratford, Connecticut. The 202 made its show debut at this year’s prestigious Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.
TIPS FOR OWNERS
“Only use top-quality mechanics and restorers to maintain the car,” Miller advises. “Drive it.”
VALUE
He estimates a value around $750,000.
THE BOTTOM LINE
“This car was meticulously researched and restored by a well-known, top-quality restorer,” Miller says. “It has the correct, original exterior color and interior leather color. It’s likely the finest Cisitalia in the world today.”
1947 Cisitalia 202 Vignale Cabriolet owned by Henry Miller
WHAT MAKES IT INTERESTING
When Italian businessman and amateur racer Piero Dusio founded Consorzio Industriale Sportivo Italia, or Cisitalia, after World War II, his singular goal was to make championship race cars to compete with Europe’s finest. Along with a single-seat Grand Prix racer in 1946 and other exceptional cars, his company built 160 of the two-seat 202s until 1952. They were not only great on the track, but the sinuous bodies were crafted by legendary coachbuilders Pinin Farina, Vignale and others. “These cars are works of art,” Miller says of his Cabriolet, one of only 60 202 convertibles made. “It’s right-hand drive and has very much an art deco interior. Check out the door handles, the window cranks and especially the emergency brakes.” Miller’s ride was on display at the 2016 Greenwich, Connecticut Concours d’Elegance. If you missed it, New York’s Museum of Modern Art has a stunning red 1946 coupe in its permanent collection.
HOW LONG HE’S OWNED IT
Since 2005
WHERE HE FOUND IT
Miller bought it from a Florida collector. It had previously been shipped from Argentina, where it was taken by Dusio after he went bankrupt and moved his operation there in 1949. The Cisitalia name lives on through an Argentine company building replica and concept cars.
CONDITION
The Cabriolet needed a 100-percent, ground-up restoration to take it back to its original appearance, with the decade-long work performed under the supervision of Kent Bain of Automotive Restorations, Inc. in Stratford, Connecticut. The 202 made its show debut at this year’s prestigious Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.
TIPS FOR OWNERS
“Only use top-quality mechanics and restorers to maintain the car,” Miller advises. “Drive it.”
VALUE
He estimates a value around $750,000.
THE BOTTOM LINE
“This car was meticulously researched and restored by a well-known, top-quality restorer,” Miller says. “It has the correct, original exterior color and interior leather color. It’s likely the finest Cisitalia in the world today.”
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