Record Breaking Topolino

By Paul Shubsachs

The above photograph shows  a Topolino-based, streamlined saloon built in 1938 by the 4CM Maserati exponent, Rafaelle Cecchini.  Though it was constructed to attack International Class “I” speed records, the picture shows that the little machine was road registered; so  perhaps  its agenda extended to other events.  As Class “I” catered for engines of up to 500cc, the Topolino unit had to be linered-down from its original gargantuan 569cc.  Class “H” was 750cc, and way out of reach…..so Class “I” it was, and the One Hour Record was gained at a speed of 86.02mph.

We would love to learn more about this intriguing device, and of the subsequent fate of Rafaelle Cecchini. The latter had been Italian Champion in the “voiturette” racing class, but, so far, I have not found his name mentioned in Post-War events.

Many thanks to Karl Ludvigsen for use of the photograph.

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