The second World War had finished just two years ago and Italy was beginning its resurgence, therefore resuming the organization of the legendary race would be a symbol of technologic recovery after the devastation of the war. The 202 SMM was a small “barchetta” featuring a stiff tubular chassis, powered by a FIAT 1100 engine. Besides, it was covered by an aerodynamic aluminium body designed by Giovanni Savonuzzi, whose peculiar back wings were characteristic of this car.

It’s easy to imagine the brave Tazio Nuvolari, with his advanced disease, bearing the terrible storm that the contestants had to suffer in the last 300 Kms of the race. Many of them failed because of this stormy weather. Once the powerful Maserati and Ferrari which were leading the race until that moment were dismissed, the fight took place between the small 1.100 FIAT and Cisitalia, and the lonely Alfa Romeo of Biondetti/Romano, which had double power, cubic capacity… and weight. But in the return to Brescia the Alfa got a flat tyre and some problems with the gear in the Futa Pass. Due to all these events, Nuvolari was able to take the lead with his small but efective Cisitalia. However, like so many other times in his career, Tazio had to fight against adversity. Due to the storm, the water was getting inside the Cisitalia. Then happened what the passengers were fearing: the distributor top got wet. Carena, the mechanical copilot, needed more than 15 minutes to dry it and be able to start the small four cylinders again. Due to this, Biondetti took the lead once again and was the winner in the finish line, followed after 16 minutes by Nuvolari and other two Cisitalias.

They didn’t get the victory but they got the glory. To celebrate this, Dusio officially dubbed the “barcheta” 202 SMM as “Nuvolari”.

These have been more than enough reasons to attract the Slot Classic’s attention for the model… and the character. Enjoy it.