Polski FIAT 508 Ballila - Model history

FIAT 508 Ballilla

Under a licensing agreement signed September 21, 1931, Italian FIAT began assembly and later production of Polski FIAT 508 Ballila at Państwowych Zakładach Inżynierii in Warsaw.

It was the most popular passenger car on Polish roads during the 30s. Only a few specimens have survived to date, in private collections and museums.

At the very beginning of the cooperation with FIAT, the assembly of this car with a 1-liter, 20-horsepower engine and a 3-speed manual transmission began in Poland.

However, Polish parts gradually began to be incorporated into this model, which led to significant involvement of the Polish industry in its production.

FIAT 508 Ballilla

The main goal was to master the production of the redesigned FIAT 508, which began production in Italy in 1934 with a modernized bodywork, a more powerful 24hp and 3600rpm engine and a four-speed transmission.

In addition, there have been several other changes to this model in Poland that have made it more attractive and attractive. Namely, there was a strengthening of the frame, front and rear axles, changes in the suspension characteristics, but also the use of different wheels compared to the original Italian model.

FIAT 508 Ballilla

All of these changes were aimed at adapting the car to field roads. From 1934 to 1935 the next version was labeled 508 II.

In June 1935, the production of a new series under the designation 508 III began at PZInz, and on February 12, 1936, this model was named Hero. It had a more modern steel construction, the wooden frame was discontinued in this model, but received new upholstery on the upholstery.

The car got a slightly more modern line, changes to the radiator grille, as well as a seat on the rear bumper to attach the spare wheel.

At the same time, the production of this car for military purposes begins - in off-road and pick-up versions.

The FIAT 508 III Hero of Poland reached a top speed of 100km / h with a fuel consumption of 8l per 100 kilometers. The pick-up version of this car was able to reach a top speed of 85km / h with a consumption of 10-12l per 100 kilometers.

From 1935 to 1939, 3 copies of the 500 III Hero model were produced in Poland and another 508 pieces were assembled on imported chassis, as well as over 1000 SUVs, vans and pick-up versions of this great car.

Unfortunately, production ceased at the beginning of World War II when PZInz was taken over by the Wehrmacht.
Source: lakodokola.com

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