1930 O.M. Type 665 Superba Supercharged Roadster by Zagato
- Engine
- 2.2L inline-six, side-valve, Roots supercharger, approximately 80 bhp
A rare supercharged Zagato-bodied Italian sports roadster, this 1930 O.M. Type 665 Superba was purchased new by Piero Dusio — the industrialist and future Cisitalia founder — who raced it in the 1930 Mille Miglia and a subsequent hill climb. After passing through several Italian and British owners, the car was extensively campaigned in modern historic events by its current custodian, including nine Mille Miglia Storica appearances. The engine was rebuilt comprehensively in 2018–2019 and the car retains a substantial documentary history.
Ownership
- 2019-10-11Auction saleEstimate €1,200,000 – €1,500,000
- 1930-04-02 → 1931-01-24Factory deliveryPiero Dusiofull documentation
Registered in Turin with a certificate of origin dated late March 1930; Dusio used the car in period competition before selling it on.
- 1931-01-24 → 1931-06-12Private saleDini Egistofull documentation
Turin-based owner who held the car only briefly before passing it on.
- 1931-06-12 →Private saleFebo Vaccarifull documentation
Based in Valenza; the registration was changed twice during this period, suggesting continued use of the car.
- 1933 →Private saleW W Blackstonefull documentation
Maidenhead-based owner who bought the car directly from the O.M. factory while in Italy during the 1933 Alpine Trial; the car received a British registration in October 1933. Blackstone confirmed his acquisition in a 1957 magazine article.
- 1979-12-17 →Acquisition unknownBruno Nicolinifull documentation
Based in San Martino in Rio, Reggio Emilia; imported the car into Italy and registered it there in May 1981.
- 1981-05-08 → 1998-06-25Acquisition unknownAdamo Pasottifull documentation
Based in Concesio, Brescia; registered the car under a Brescia plate.
- 1998-06-25 → 1998-10-26Acquisition unknownArrighini Piersandrofull documentation
Also based in Concesio, Brescia; held the car for only a few months.
- 1998-10-26 → 2000-04-18Acquisition unknownBernardi Filippofull documentation
Based in Concesio, Brescia; owned the car briefly before selling to the current vendor.
- 2000-04-18 →Private saleCurrent vendorfull documentation
Has prioritised mechanical condition over cosmetics; commissioned engine work in 2000, oversaw a major restoration from 2016 onward including a full engine rebuild in 2018/2019, and participated extensively in historic rallying.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownCharles Metcalfepartial documentation
Owned the car during the late 1950s and into the early 1960s; operated a garage in Deddington, Oxfordshire focused on O.M. vehicles and retained the car until his death.
Competition
- 19301930 Mille MigliaDriver: Piero Dusio25th overall
Co-driven by Zamaglia, running under competitor number 127; completed the full course in just over 21 hours.
- 1930-06-29Cuneo-Colle de la MadalenaDriver: Piero Dusio6th in class
Dusio entered under competitor number 40.
- 2000Mille Miglia Storica2000 Mille Miglia Storica
A finish-line photograph from this event is included in the car's history file; driven by the current vendor.
- —Mille Miglia StoricaMille Miglia Storica (multiple editions)
Current vendor entered the historic rerun a total of nine times from 2000 onward.
- —Gran Premio Nuvolari (multiple editions)
Current vendor participated on three separate occasions.
- —Ennstal Classic (multiple editions)
Current vendor entered this Austrian historic rally on numerous occasions.
- —Planai Classic (multiple editions)
A demanding winter rally contested by the current vendor; described as among the toughest events of its type.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2000Engine rebuildErnst Chalupa
Engine overhauled by a pre-war car specialist with known expertise in O.M. and Lagonda vehicles. The supercharger drive was also modified to accommodate a doubled-up belt.
Workshop located in Hennersdorf, Austria.
- 2009Repair
Cylinder block failed due to a crack; a welded repair was attempted but proved unsuccessful, leading to the commissioning of new engine block castings from a Bavarian pattern-maker. Five new blocks were cast, three of which were put into service.
The Bavarian specialist who made the patterns is not named.
- 2016Restoration
Substantial restoration programme begun, including correct reinstallation of the engine (previously installed incorrectly), along with a full overhaul of the gearbox and braking system.
- 2018Engine rebuild
Full engine overhaul completed, including fitting of new pistons and associated components. The rebuilt 2.2-litre six-cylinder unit is reported to produce approximately 80 horsepower.
Work carried out across the 2018–2019 period.
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