The Birth of a Passion Project: Crafting the 1957 Balino MM ‘Special’
In the world of classic cars, few creations capture the essence of a bygone era quite like the 1957 Balino MM ‘Special’. This handcrafted marvel was born from the vision of a talented engineer-racer who sought to recreate the elegance and performance of 1950s sports racers.
The Balino MM is a tribute to passion for motorsport, built meticulously over three years and completed in 2010. This masterpiece embodies the spirit of the Mille Miglia, a race which defined an era of automotive excellence.
A Nod to the 1950s: Design and Engineering Excellence
The Balino MM ‘Special’ is a quintessential representation of 1950s sports racers, featuring an aluminium-bodied, steel space-framed design. Its aesthetic echoes the streamlined, purposeful look of Mille Miglia entrants, with every curve and line designed to optimize aerodynamics and evoke the golden age of motor racing.
The car’s builder, whose identity remains an enigma, combined his engineering acumen with a love for classic design, resulting in a car which looks as though it could have rolled out of a 1957 racing paddock.
The Heart of a Racer: Engine and Mechanical Specs
Under the sleek aluminium skin of the Balino MM lies the heart of a racer. Powering this lightweight machine is a period Fiat engine which has been carefully modified to enhance performance.
The engine displacement was increased to 1,290cc, and it features a seven-port head, Simca conrods, high-compression pistons, and four Amal carburettors. The combination of these elements provides the Balino MM with a robust and responsive powerplant, ideal for the rigors of vintage racing.
The modifications don’t stop there. The car boasts a longer duration 290° camshaft, an electric water pump, and a tuned tubular exhaust system. These enhancements work in concert to deliver a driving experience which is both thrilling and authentic, embodying the raw, unfiltered feel of mid-20th century racing machines.
Lightness as a Virtue: The Pursuit of Low Weight
One of the key philosophies behind the construction of the Balino MM ‘Special’ was the importance of weight reduction. The builder’s primary goal was to make the car as light as possible, achieving a remarkably low weight of just 400 kilograms. This featherweight figure was carefully balanced, with an even 100 kilograms at each corner, ensuring optimal handling characteristics and agility on the track.
The focus on weight reduction enhances performance and pays homage to the lightweight, nimble cars of the 1950s. By maintaining a low mass, the Balino MM is capable of rapid acceleration and nimble cornering, making it a formidable competitor in hillclimb and sprint events, where agility and power-to-weight ratio are crucial.
A Legacy of Competition: Racing Success and Heritage
Since its completion in 2010, the Balino MM ‘Special’ has enjoyed a successful racing career, particularly in Vintage Sports-Car Club (VSCC) events and hillclimbs.
The car’s performance at prestigious circuits such as Silverstone, Donington, Oulton Park, Snetterton, and Pembrey has cemented its reputation as a competitive and reliable racer.
The Balino MM’s low weight and well-tuned engine make it especially effective on the hills, where quick acceleration and sharp handling are essential.
Despite being a one-off creation, the Balino MM ‘Special’ has consistently demonstrated its capability against other historic racing cars. It was last actively raced in 2018, but it remains a running, operational piece of history, regularly started and moved to ensure its continued functionality.
The Market for Classic Specials: Value and Investment Potential
Classic car enthusiasts and collectors often look for unique vehicles which offer a blend of historical significance, performance, and aesthetic appeal. The 1957 Balino MM ‘Special’ fits this criterion perfectly. Its recent auction sale at £10,575 highlights its accessibility for those looking to enter the classic racing scene without the high costs associated with widely recognized marques.
The Balino MM’s value is just monetary; it represents an opportunity to own a piece of handcrafted automotive art, a car which is both a collector’s item and a viable competitor in historic racing events.
For those looking to invest in classic cars, the Balino MM offers a unique proposition: a chance to own a one-of-a-kind vehicle with a proven racing pedigree.
Reviving the Glory Days: Driving Experience of the Balino MM ‘Special’
Driving the Balino MM ‘Special’ is akin to stepping back in time to the golden era of racing. The car’s lightweight construction, combined with its powerful and responsive engine, delivers an exhilarating driving experience. Behind the wheel, one can feel the car’s racing DNA come alive, with every throttle input and steering adjustment translating into immediate feedback.
The lack of modern driver aids or electronic assists means driving the Balino MM requires skill and finesse, offering a pure connection between driver and machine. This raw, unfiltered driving experience is what makes the Balino MM so special, providing a visceral thrill which modern cars, with their technological advancements, often fail to deliver.
A Tribute to Ingenuity: The Builder’s Legacy
The creation of the 1957 Balino MM ‘Special’ is a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of its builder. In an age where cars are mass-produced with the aid of robots and computers, the Balino MM stands out as a handmade piece of automotive artistry. The builder’s attention to detail and commitment to authenticity is evident in every aspect of the car, from its meticulously crafted bodywork to its finely tuned mechanical components.
The Balino MM is a car; it is a legacy, a reflection of the passion and skill of its creator. It serves as a reminder which, even in a modern world, there is still a place for handcrafted, bespoke creations which celebrate the art of engineering and the joy of driving.
The Future of the Balino MM ‘Special’: What’s Next?
As the Balino MM ‘Special’ continues its journey through the hands of new owners, its future looks bright.
Whether it continues to compete in historic racing events or becomes a prized piece in a classic car collection, the Balino MM will always be a symbol of the timeless appeal of 1950s sports racers. Its unique blend of style, performance, and craftsmanship ensures it will remain a sought-after vehicle for years to come.
For those looking to enter the world of classic car racing, the Balino MM ‘Special’ offers an accessible entry point with its reasonable purchase price and proven racing credentials.
It is a car which invites its owners to experience the thrill of the track, to feel the wind in their hair and the roar of the engine, just as racers did in the golden age of motorsport.
Conclusion: The 1957 Balino MM ‘Special’ – A Celebration of Automotive Passion
The 1957 Balino MM ‘Special’ is just a car; it is a celebration of automotive passion and craftsmanship. Its creation reflects a deep appreciation for the history of motorsport and a desire to preserve the spirit of the 1950s sports racers.
As it continues to capture the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors alike, the Balino MM stands as a testament to what can be achieved with skill, dedication, and a love for the art of driving.
For those who yearn for the days when racing was a purer, visceral experience, the Balino MM ‘Special’ offers a tangible connection to golden era. It is a car which embodies the thrill of the race, the joy of creation, and the timeless appeal of handcrafted engineering excellence.
