1955 Siata 208 S news, pictures, and information

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Coachwork: Vignale
Chassis Num: BS535

Siata was the acronym for an Italian company that originally provided auto equipment and engine conversions, especially for Fiats. Automobile production began in 1948. Presented at the same 1952 Geneva Auto Show where the Fiat 8V was unveiled, the Siata 208, like its sibling, came equipped with a Fiat two-liter V8 engine fitted with two twin-bodied Weber carburetors. The very light 208 aluminum bodies were made by Vignale and included a hood air scoop. Siata 208s were mainly exported to the United States, where they took part in many sportscar races. This example is the last Siata 208S Spider. Originally a New England car, it spent time in MA, NM, AZ, and then England while owned by a pilot. It was returned to NJ in the late 1960s with a bad motor. The current owner purchased the car in 1982 with a Ford V8 engine installed. During an extensive restoration in California, the original engine was located and re-installed.

Designed by Michelotti and built by Bertone, this handsome sports car is equipped with Fiat 8V running gear, including a 2-liter engine, four-speed transmission and independent suspension. Its stunning clean design provided many styling cues seen in later cars. Less than 35 of these Spiders were ever built, msot finding their way to the West Coast.

Siata, meaning Societa Italiana Applicazioni Trasformazioni Automobilistiche, was created in 1926 by Georgio Ambrosini of Turin. They specialized in producing tuning accessories for Italian automobiles, mainly Fiat. Throughout the years they created a few prototype vehicles, many of which were entered in various racing events.

The Siata 208 was produced from 1952 through 1954. Many of the mechanical components were courtesy of Fiat, such as the V8 engine that was capable of producing 140 horsepower.

Originally, the vehicle was bodied by Stablimenti Farina but was later handled by Carrozzeria Balbo. Bertone was tasked with producing a GT saloon version powered by a Chrysler engine. In total, around 32 examples were produced.

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Siata: 1951-1960

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