From the stars to the barns, quite literally. This vehicle, after participating in one edition of the Mille Miglia and one edition of the Monte Carlo Rally driven by one of the most renowned racing drivers ever, was subsequently used as a taxi and eventually stored in a barn where it remained abandoned for several decades. This sequence of events characterizes the history of this Fiat 1500.

The Fiat 1500 was introduced in 1935, designed by engineer Vittorio Jano. The model featured a 1.5-litre inline-six engine producing approximately 95 horsepower. Its lightweight chassis and suspension design allowed the 6C 1500 to participate in major pre-war racing events such as the Mille Miglia. The model became part of the Italian racing landscape in the years preceding World War II.

The car was delivered new to Luigi Villoresi on November 12th, 1936. As part of the Scuderia Ambrosiana team, the vehicle competed in the 1937 editions of both the Monte Carlo Rally and the Mille Miglia. In 1940, Villoresi sold the car. It ended up in Sardinia and it was subsequently operated as a taxi until the late 1950s. The vehicle remained in Sardinia until it was rediscovered in 2017 in barn storage. At the time of rediscovery, it retained its original license plate (MI 45736) and Villoresi’s racing overalls. A restoration was performed in 2017 using original components. The vehicle retains its original 1936 Pieber bodywork, Smoke Black exterior finish, and original leather interior. Following restoration, the vehicle participated in the Mille Miglia in 2018, 2020, and 2021. Find it for sale here in Naarden, Netherlands.