• One of a believed two survivors out of only 10 built
• Delivered new to Switzerland
• Formerly part of the Fendt Collection
• Full professional restoration completed in 2011
• Present ownership since 2015
• Registered in the Netherlands

Founded in 1939 by Piero Dusio to manufacture sports equipment, Consorzio Industriale Sportiva Italia (Cisitalia) amassed a fortune for its former soccer star owner making military uniforms during WW2. A motor racing enthusiast, Dusio used his fortune to become involved with the sport he loved, building the first Cisitalia competition car – a spaceframe monoposto - in 1946. There being little else available at the time, the Cisitalia sold well and Dusio followed up this successful single-seater by building a two-seater sports car. In 1948 Cisitalia introduced the Pinin Farina-styled and hugely influential 202 Gran Sport coupé which, with its elegant lines and integrated all-enveloping coachwork, set the pattern for every Gran Turismo that followed, and one of the only cars to earn a permanent display spot at the New York - MOMA - Museum of Modern Art. It was at this point that Dusio's Grand Prix ambitions got the better of him and all but bankrupted Cisitalia, forcing him to relocate to Argentina where he founded Autoar. Cisitalia survived under new owners and continued with the 202 before turning its attention towards custom-bodied FIATs.

Launched at the 1953 Geneva Salon, the Cisitalia 505 DF (for Derivata FIAT) was based on an improved FIAT 1900 chassis and drivetrain. The 505 was bodied by Carrozzeria Ghia, though the design was the work of Cisitalia's chief engineer, Giovanni Savonuzzi. Cisitalia uprated the FIAT engine using a modified alloy cylinder head and twin Weber 34 carburettors on a Cisitalia manifold, while the camshaft, pistons and exhaust system were upgraded much like those on contemporary Abarths. The four-speed gearbox was equipped with an overdrive and finned alloy drum brakes fitted all round. With 80-85bhp on tap, the 505 DF could easily reach 99mph (160k/mh). Only 10 were built, of which only two are believed to survive.

Delivered new in July 1953 to Swiss racer Fritz Stolz, chassis number '00209' was sold on less than a year later to Josef Steiner of Zürich (in April 1954). Passing through the hands of various Swiss owners, the Cisitalia was acquired in 1989 by Holger Kluge of Bremen, Germany, who commenced a restoration which would remain unfinished. In 2005 the Cisitalia was acquired by the Fendt Collection and its restoration entrusted to D&D Classic Automobile Restoration of Ohio, USA, who completed the project by 2011 at a cost in excess of $230,000. Following completion, the Cisitalia was judged 'Best Restored Car' at the Schloss Bensberg Classics Concours in Germany in 2014.

Acquired by our vendor in 2015, it recently completed a 1,000km summer driving tour surrounding the Concorso Villa d'Este events and scenic routes of Lake Como, '00209' is offered from their important private collection. Eligible for the Mille Miglia Retrospective, the car comes with Netherlands registration papers and a FIVA Identity Card, and would make a wonderful addition to any collection.

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.