1953 Siata Daina Sport Coupé

Ernie McAfee was Siata's West Coast distributor in the USA. The American-based press gave high praise to the Siata models for their styling, performance, and handling. This, along with their competition success, made them highly desirable. The Daina, in open Gran Sport and Coupé form, with bodies by Stabilimenti Farina, Bertone and others, exemplified Siata. Their place in history was cemented with a first in class and third overall victory at the inaugural 12 Hours of Sebring in 1952. The Diana, piloted by Dick Irish and bob Fergus, managed to lap a Ferrari 166 and a Jaguar XK120 in the process.

This alloy-bodied Sport Coupé 1800 wears coachwork by Bertone. Though elegant and attractive, perhaps one of its most appealing features is the ownership history. The car has had just one owner from new. It has been given proper maintenance and a recent restoration. Power is from the original 1817cc Siata-tuned Fiat overhead valve four-cylinder engine breathing through twin carburetors. It is finished in two-tone paint complemented by wire-spoke wheels, a restored interior with square-weave carpeting and features including a racing-style quick-release petrol-filler cap, full instrumentation and a Pianola solid-state AM radio. There is a five-speed manual gearbox with overdrive on fifth and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at RM Auctions in Monaco where it was estimated to sell for €80.000-€100.000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of €173.600, inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2012