1950s Racing Opportunities in The USA
American importer Tony Pompeo thought this space frame chassis, already winning in 1100 and 1500 cc classes with Fiat and Siata engines, could be even more competitive in the 750 cc category, equipped with Crosley powerplants. With this in mind, Bandini made changes to the engine lubrication system, distributor, and valvetrain, also marginally increasing the stroke, enlarging the capacity from 721 cc to 747 cc. He designed space frames weighing only 18 kg (40 lb), to which he fitted bodies by Motto, whose designs were perfectly in harmony with the Bandini philosophy, incorporating practicality and compliance with regulations, without sacrificing elegance of form. So was born the Bandini 750 sport siluro. These cars, when their headlights were removed, qualified to race in the sports category: they could also be adapted to qualify for the racing category simply by removing their cycle fenders (separate mudguards).
With exports increasing, Bandini earned respect and success in races outside Italy, also gaining coverage in the specialist press. Two Bandinis were shown at Chicago in 1952, with a 750 sports torpedo displayed at the in 1953 New York Auto Show at Madison Square Garden. Despite his commitments, Bandini himself continued to race, competing at Chieti, Senigallia, and Bari, as well as piloting the 750 to it first victory, the Bologna-Raticosa hillclimb, in 1952. Meanwhile, Chuck Hassan and Beau Clarke shared a 750 in 1953's 12 Hours of Sebring (the first World Sports Car Championship event), after coming in third in the Six Hours of Vero Beach, first at Sowega (Georgia), and (despite lost time due to a puncture) second at Bryanfan.
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