Gorgeous FIAT Balilla Copa D'Oro to Feature in Silverstone Auction

This gorgeous 1935 FIAT 508 Balilla Copa D'Oro Mille Miglia is to feature in Silverstone Auctions sale on 26th/27th July at the Silverstone Classic.

The 508/Balilla, was a conventilal small car introduced at the Milan Motorshow of 1932. In 1933, FIAT launched a more powerful 508S (Sport) and added a spider by Ghia and an aerodynamic coupe to the range of body styles available. More updates followed in 1934, with the introduction of a 4-speed gearbox and a more powerful engine for the 508S with overhead valves and 36bhp.

This sweet car has been in single Italian ownership since 1957 until shipped to the UK in 2011 and purchased by the current vendor.  Part of the 'Molino' private collection, it is estimated at £80,000 to £100,000.

The Molino collection is currently owned by well-known and highly successful Midland's motor industry character, Mike Hewitt. Since retiring in 2011, he has spent his time acquiring and fully restoring a wide variety of cars and motorcycles that are now offered for sale at Silverstone circuit. It contains rare models from marques such as Fiat, Porsche, Jaguar and MG.

Topping the bill in the collection is a rare 1940 Alvis 12/70 Competition, estimated at between £100,000 and £120,000. This Alvis was raced in national hill climbs and international races from 2007 by the much-respected late Robin Everall.

Commenting on the collection, Nick Whale, managing director, Silverstone Auctions, said: “We’re very proud to be offering this, our first ever private collection, for auction and to play a part in the cars’ histories. What’s even better is that the cars appeal to such a variety of tastes.”

Another incredibly rare British sports car to be offered in Silverstone Auctions’ two-day sale is – fittingly – a 1950 Healey Silverstone, one of just 105 ever built.

The dual-purpose car was hand built at the Donald Healey Motor Company factory in Warwick and was designed to be equally at home on the road or racetrack. Powered by a 104 horsepower 2.5 litre Riley engine and mated to a four speed manual gearbox, the car proved highly competitive in a number of events, including a class win in the 1949 Alpine Rally driven by Healey himself. It has an estimated value at between £160,000 and £180,000.

“The auction is an integral element in the growing success of the Silverstone Classic,” said Event Director, Nick Wigley. “The event is growing bigger and bigger every year and the enlarged two-day sale at this summer’s Classic mirrors that expansion. Moreover with lots such as the Healey Silverstone and wonderful Molino collection coming under the hammer, the auction has some real quality on offer.”

Further information about the Silverstone Classic Sale can be found on the www.silverstoneauctions.com website. For the latest news and ticket details on 2014 Silverstone Classic, visit the official www.silverstoneclassic.com website.

Silverstone Auctions 26th/27th July Catalogue