Cisitalia: The Brand That Altered Porsche’s Destiny Forever

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We celebrate the stories that shaped automotive heritage — and few are as crucial, yet overlooked, as that of Cisitalia, the ambitious Turin-based marque that existed for just three years but left a lasting impact on the automotive world. In this latest feature from SpeedHolics, we uncover how a single visionary, Piero Dusio, set in motion a series of events that helped define the destiny of iconic brands like Porsche, Abarth, and Alfa Romeo.

From the groundbreaking Cisitalia 202 Gran Sport — the first car to enter the MoMA collection — to the revolutionary 360 Grand Prix designed by Porsche, this is the untold story of innovation, ambition, and a fleeting brand that could have become Ferrari’s true rival.

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Photography by Jeroen Vink, Mario Simoni Archive

Video by Andrea Ruggeri

The author, Mario Simoni: Born in Imola in 1954, Mario Simoni has been immersed in the world of cars and racing since childhood. Growing up close to racing circuits, Simoni nurtured a deep passion for engines, which led him to a brief career as a driver in the Renault 5 Alpine Cup. However, he soon decided to leave the racetrack to pursue "real" professions, without ever straying far from his love for automobiles. Determined to combine his passion with journalism, Simoni began by publishing articles for a minor magazine. The turning point in his career came when he had the opportunity to collaborate with Autosprint, Italy's most prestigious motorsport weekly. In 1985, Simoni became part of the editorial team that launched the magazine Auto, a monthly reference for enthusiasts, where he became head of the service. In parallel, he continued writing for Autosprint, AM magazine, and contributed to the TV show Tg2 Motori on RAI. In 2001, Simoni encountered the legendary Cisitalia, a meeting that marked a turning point in his career. Fascinated by the numerous aspects of this historic car manufacturer, he dedicated himself to uncovering the brand’s still-hidden secrets, culminating in the publication of his book "Un sogno chiamato Cisitalia", an important work that sheds new light on the history of one of Italy’s most iconic car manufacturers.

The co-author, Nino Balestra: Nino Balestra, a jeweler by profession, is also a historian, collector, and former race car driver. He is one of the founders of the A.S.I. (Italian Classic Car Association), the second president of the C.V.A.E. (Veneto Historic Auto-Moto Club), and the former director of La Manovella. He is the author of numerous books and essays and a contributing journalist. He was also a founder and President of the Bonfanti-VIMAR Automobile Museum until 2014. Today, he is responsible for the permanent section called the "Galleria del Motorismo, Mobilità e Ingegno Veneto-Giannino Marzotto". Additionally, he serves as the President of the Cisitalia International Club. A passionate scholar of Cisitalia, Balestra has dedicated part of his life to researching and promoting the history of this iconic car manufacturer. He has published several books on Cisitalia, including the well-known "Un Sogno chiamato Cisitalia", a work that unveiled the secrets, innovations, and historical events related to the brand. Thanks to his writings, Cisitalia has received renewed attention and has found a place in the hearts of classic car enthusiasts.

The photographer, Jeroen Vink: Jeroen Vink is a highly skilled professional photographer residing near Amsterdam, Netherlands. With a broad range of interests and talents, he is not only an accomplished photographer but also an engineer with a deep passion for vintage cars and fine watches. His expertise lies in automotive and product photography, particularly in the fascinating fields of jewelry and watches. Throughout his career, he has built an impressive portfolio, collaborating with prestigious clients such as Stellantis, Renault, Fiat Professional, Watchtime magazine, and Hodinkee.

VSOC (Very Superior Old Cars): Founded in 1992 by two mechanical engineering students from Delft University, Alex von Mózer and Peter, VSOC (Very Superior Old Cars) was born from their desire to turn a hobby into a profession. The name, a reference to the prestigious cognac term "Very Superior Old Pale", reflects their ambition to provide top-quality service in the world of classic cars. After thorough market research, Alex and Peter identified a need for assistance in purchasing cars, and quickly expanded their offerings to include car sales as well. In 1997, Alex von Mózer took full ownership of the company. Based in Sassenheim, Netherlands, VSOC has earned an international reputation over the years as a reliable and discreet partner, appreciated by the most discerning classic car collectors. Alex von Mózer, MsC, is often present at major international events dedicated to classic automobiles, where he continues to share his passion and expertise.