Now here is something really different. A true “barn find” if there ever was one. According to the history, as it was explained to me, this car may be one of the original and very rare French built Balillas. Most were built in Italy, of course, and quite a few were made in Poland too. However, some people who’ve seen it and seem to be knowledgeable say this one was built in France. The car was discovered in Paris sometime in the mid-1950’s. A couple of things worth noting is the original color of French racing blue visible under the maroon paint. Also, please note the original Paris registration license plate that’s still on the car. Other rare features include the Cibie headlights and Scintilla taillight, which come from a type 35 Bugatti. 

I was told a man purchased this car while sitting at a French café and had it shipped to his home in the Northeast U.S., where it sat in a barn for approximately ten years. Then sometime approximately 1965, the gentleman sold it to his friend who had always admired the car since he had first assisted him in importing it to the U.S. from France approx. ten years earlier. I guess he really did like it because the friend kept the car for approximately forty years. A dealer from Ohio discovered the car and purchased it. I acquired it from him at Hershey in 2006.

Believe me, this little thing was stopping traffic in the Hershey car corral and with all of the fabulous cars that show up there, that really says a lot. If I hadn’t been there on the morning of the first day, I would have never gotten it!

I’m sure that some people were thinking about the rarity and others just thinking about how cute it was. Still others were attracted to the “barn fresh” condition, which is really becoming popular these days. For me personally, I think it was all of these things plus, for some reason, I just couldn’t seem to take my eyes off to it. It seems to have some type of charisma that’s hard to explain. 

I’m guessing that after you look at the photos you might be thinking that the car needs a little work? Maybe it’s the “air conditioned” top or the worn original leather or the maroon paint, which looks (by the way) like it was put on with a broom. Well, you might be right but some people would disagree with you. It has a certain charm just the way it is that’s hard to explain. One thing is for sure, wherever you take it, people won’t stop looking at it. I’ve had it parked next to a four hundred thousand dollar car and this one got more attention. Truthfully, I’m seriously questioning my decision to possibly sell it. If I didn’t have four cars ahead of it to restore, I wouldn’t even think about it. On thing is for sure, I probably won’t ever be able to replace it.

Regarding the price let me say this; you probably already know how rare this car is in the U.S. or anywhere else for that matter. I found another 508 for sale with an asking price of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Admittedly it was a gorgeous, fully restored teardrop coupe that was advertised as Mille Miglia eligible. I think this little car of mine might be too? By the way, the ad said that at one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, that car was the least expensive way you could ever possibly buy anything eligible for the Mille Miglia. So, for one hundred thousand dollars LESS, this one should look pretty good.

The sales price is $50,000  $45,000. Please call Larry at 480-483-2555. If you’re from out of the country and want to email me, the address is ljkay@cox.net