The first genuine Italian subcompact automobile, the Fiat 508 holds an important place in the country’s automotive history.

Developed by a “who’s who” of the country’s best engineers, including Dante Giacosa, it was popularly nicknamed “Balilla” after a military hero of the 18th century who was becoming well-known again in this era of Italian nationalism.

By the admission of one of its designers, Antonio Fessia, “there was nothing original” in the design, but where the 508 succeeded was in getting so much of itself right the first time.

Supremely comfortable and reasonably priced, the design’s robust circum-braced chassis and hydraulic drum brakes allowed the Balilla to be built in a variety of body styles, from two-seater sport roadsters to capable commercial vehicles.

THE 508S SPIDER SPORT The 508S Balilla Spider Sport was available directly from the Fiat catalog beginning in 1934.

These competition-style cars were powered by a Siata-tuned, 995-cubic-centimeter inline-four overh...