Heritage Flutter - There’s a certain charm in how the past whispers through classic automobiles — those rare creations that captured the soul of an era when art and engineering danced together. One such masterpiece is
the Cisitalia 33DF Voloradente, a car that embodies Italian passion, post-war optimism, and timeless design. Though it might not be as well-known as
Ferrari or
Maserati, this remarkable vehicle carries a story filled with innovation and elegance, still captivating enthusiasts more than seventy years after its debut.
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| The Cisitalia 33DF Voloradente, a car that embodies Italian passion, post-war optimism, and timeless design. (Picture from: RMSothebys) |
The name Cisitalia holds a special place in automotive history.
Founded by Piero Dusio,
the brand became a beacon of post-war Italian ingenuity,
creating cars that redefined beauty and performance. However,
the 33DF Voloradente, introduced in
1953,
marked a departure from the earlier,
factory-built Cisitalias. This model was based on
the Fiat 1100-103 TV chassis, but it was no mere imitation.
Cisitalia’s engineers gave it a distinct identity by adding a specially designed cylinder head and a dual Weber carburetor system,
pushing its 1,089 cc inline-four engine to deliver a lively 69 horsepower —
impressive for its time.
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| The Cisitalia 33DF Voloradente, styled by Aldo Brovarone before his celebrated years at Pininfarina, featured a lightweight aluminum body that radiated sophistication. (Picture from: RMSothebys) |
Performance aside, it was the car’s design that truly set it apart.
Styled by Aldo Brovarone,
who would later gain fame at Pininfarina,
the Voloradente’s lightweight aluminum body exuded sophistication. Every contour and curve seemed to flow effortlessly, giving the impression of motion even when standing still.
Its name,
which translates to “flyby,” perfectly captured that sense of speed and grace.
Even today,
the car’s two-tone finish and wraparound Perspex rear window look fresh,
like a piece of kinetic sculpture frozen in time.
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| The Cisitalia 33DF Voloradente featured flowing contours that suggested motion even at rest, perfectly reflecting its “flyby” name and sense of speed and grace. (Picture from: RMSothebys) |
Inside,
the 33DF blended function and artistry with equal finesse.
The cockpit featured a neatly arranged instrument cluster and a beautiful Nardi steering wheel,
both celebrating the precision and craft of mid-century Italian design.
One minor point of debate among purists was the set of wire wheels that appeared to be of British origin,
despite their Borrani knock caps —
a small detail that did little to diminish the car’s irresistible charm.
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| The Cisitalia 33DF Voloradente combined function and artistry inside, with a neatly arranged instrument cluster and a refined Nardi steering wheel showcasing mid-century Italian craftsmanship. (Picture from: RMSothebys) |
Only about 15 examples of the 33DF Voloradente were ever produced,
in both berlinetta and spider forms, and it’s believed that just three have survived. Among them,
Chassis 00510 holds a particularly rich history.
Sold new in Rome,
it was later owned by Felice Marchese of Milan,
who obtained ASI certification in 1972 recognizing it as a historic vehicle. The car wasn’t merely admired from afar; it competed in numerous Italian and Swiss rallies and hill climbs, driven by enthusiasts like
Introzzi,
Ganoglio, and
Marchese himself — proving its capabilities went far beyond its elegant looks.
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| The Cisitalia 33DF Voloradente gained its distinct character from a specially designed cylinder head and dual Weber carburetors, allowing its 1,089 cc inline-four engine to produce a lively 69 horsepower. (Picture from: RMSothebys) |
After decades of spirited use, the car received a comprehensive restoration in
2008 in Italy. Every component — from the pistons and rods to the bearings — was rebuilt or replaced, bringing
the 33DF back to its original glory. Since then, it has been driven sparingly, maintained with the same respect one might show a fine work of art.
Its renewed condition highlights not only the durability of Italian craftsmanship but also the love and dedication that continue to surround this rare gem.
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| The Cisitalia 33DF Voloradente still looks fresh today, with its two-tone finish and wraparound Perspex rear window resembling a frozen piece of kinetic sculpture. (Picture from: RMSothebys) |
Today,
the Cisitalia 33DF Voloradente remains more than just a collector’s treasure — it’s a living reminder of an era when innovation was driven by passion, not profit. With its elegant design, spirited heart, and remarkable history,
the Voloradente reflects a time when cars were created to move both the body and the soul. It stands as proof that true beauty never fades — it simply continues to shine, like the glint of polished aluminum catching the Italian sun.
*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RMSOTHEBYS | CLASSICVIRUS ]Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
