The 808XF was introduced by Cisitalia in 1952 as an experimental project developed in collaboration with Ford. Intended to explore an Italian-American grand tourer that never reached production, only a few prototypes were built in various body styles such as coupes and convertibles, bodied by Ghia and Vignale. All were rear-wheel drive and used Ford transmissions, mostly 3 speed automatics, although some units tested different gearboxes depending on the engine installed. The powertrains ranged from a Ford/Mercury V8 of up to 5.1L to a 3.5L Ford inline six modified by Cisitalia. Its most notable feature was the unusual combination of American engineering with Italian design and chassis, an attempt ahead of its time to unite European style with North American power, though it ultimately remained only a series of highly exclusive prototypes. The Cisitalia 808XF was produced until 1953.