The One-of-a-Kind 1948 Cisitalia 202 CMM: A Sculpted Icon of Mille Miglia Racing

Aerodynamic Artistry - In the ever-evolving world of automotive design, there are few moments when art and engineering collide so perfectly that the result feels almost too beautiful to belong on the road. These rare instances are often tied to bold visionaries who saw automobiles not just as machines, but as living, breathing expressions of style and ambition. One of the most captivating stories from this golden age of car-making centers around a vehicle that has, over time, become a near-mythical figure in collector circles — the Cisitalia 202 CMM.

1947 Cisitalia 202 CMM with the chassis number of CMM-002 on display at the Gooding's 2016 Pebble Beach Auctions. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)

Born in the passionate post-war era of the late 1940s, this striking machine emerged from the dreams of Piero Dusio, an Italian entrepreneur and amateur racing driver with a relentless drive to fuse speed and elegance. His company, Cisitalia — short for Compagnia Industriale Sportiva Italia — wasn’t just another carmaker. It was a personal mission. Dusio aimed to combine the thrill of motorsport with the finesse of high design, and in doing so, left behind a legacy of beauty on wheels.

Front-left side view of 1947 Cisitalia 202 CMM with the chassis number of CMM-002. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)

The Cisitalia 202, launched in 1946, was a revelation. It wasn’t just another sports car — it was the car that changed how the world looked at GTs (grand tourers). But that wasn’t the end of the story. From that foundation, something even more radical was born. The Cisitalia 202 CMM — short for Coupé Mille Miglia — took the soul of the original 202 and gave it wings. 

This wasn’t just a prettier version of the road car. It was a whole new animal, crafted for endurance racing but wrapped in a body so streamlined and otherworldly it could easily be mistaken for a concept car decades ahead of its time. Designed in a brilliant collaboration between Dante Giacosa, a legendary Fiat engineer; Giovanni Savonuzzi, a design genius; and coachbuilder Alfredo Vignale, the CMM blended science and sculpture in a way few cars ever have.

Interior view of 1947 Cisitalia 202 CMM with the chassis number of CMM-002. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)

One look at its curvaceous silhouette and you understand its intentions. The aerodynamic shape was not just for show — it was built to slice through the wind at high speed. The rear end was especially dramatic, with a stingray-style fin that hinted at design elements later seen on the famous Batmobile and Alfa Romeo's BAT series in the 1950s. Ahead of its time? Absolutely. Intentional? Without a doubt. 

Underneath its futuristic skin, the CMM was a purpose-built machine. It used a modified version of the Fiat 1100 engine — a nod to the car’s Italian roots — and sat on a finely tuned chassis borrowed from the Cisitalia 202. Only two of these cars were ever produced, and both were built for one purpose: to conquer endurance racing. The first hit the track in 1947, while the second, chassis number CMM-002, was prepared for the legendary Mille Miglia in 1948. 

Engine view of 1947 Cisitalia 202 CMM with the chassis number of CMM-002. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)

That second car carried hopes and headlines. Driven by the skilled Piero Taruffi and Domenico Rabbia, it was a bold entry in one of the most challenging races in Europe. But despite the daring design and undeniable promise, the race didn’t end in triumph. The CMM struggled on the slippery roads and was forced to retire — a sharp reminder that beauty and speed don’t always guarantee victory.

Rear-right side view of 1947 Cisitalia 202 CMM with the chassis number of CMM-002. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)

After its short-lived racing career, the CMM drifted into near obscurity. The car with chassis number CMM-002 vanished into the private collections of Japanese enthusiasts, effectively keeping it away from public eyes for decades. It became a ghost from the past — talked about, imagined, and remembered, but rarely seen.

 

That all changed in 2016, when the automotive world was given a rare second chance. The 1948 Cisitalia 202 CMM resurfaced at auction, turning heads once again. With an estimated price between $2 million and $3 million, it was more than just a sale — it was a celebration of a machine that had quietly shaped the language of car design.

Today, the Cisitalia 202 CMM remains a mesmerizing reminder of what happens when passion, talent, and ambition collide. Though it never claimed the trophies it chased, it left behind something even more valuable — a legacy of imagination and elegance that continues to inspire automotive dreamers around the world. *** [EKA [21022020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ULTIMATECARPAGE | MOTOR1 ]

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