1953 Siata 208CS news, pictures, and information

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Spyder
Coachwork: Farina

Siata (Societa Italiana Applicazioni Trasformazioni Automobilistiche) specialized in aftermarket products for Fiats, the company used its knowledge and expertise to launch the first Siata-badged, Fiat-based car in 1948. Around sixty chassis were built by Siata in 1953 and 1954, and they received at least half a dozen body type variations, the most common being the 208S. This 208CS was originally a competition sports coupe built by Stabilimenti Farina just before Farina ceased production, and it was shown at the Brussels Salon in 1953. It was converted to a Spyder in 1955 by Siata and ran it the Targa Florio in 1956. It was until recently in the Rosso Bianco Collection in Germany.

The SIATA Company, an acronym for Societa Italiana Applicazione Trasformazione Automobilistiche, was founded in the mid-1920s by Giorgio Ambrosini. They became known as one of the premier Italian operations specializing in transforming production cars into high-performance specialty vehicles. The Company remained in business until 1974. During that time, they transformed over 13,000 vehicles. Their business was much more than just tuning automobiles; they also created a line of 'speed equipment' such as superchargers, twin-carburetor manifolds, high-compression alloy heads, and OHV conversion kits.

In the early 1950s, Fiat introduced their 8V which would spark the development of the first Siata chassis. The chassis had been designed specifically for the 'Otto Vu' Fiat 2-liter V8 engine, but could house other V8s. Only one engine - a Chrysler powerplant - would replace the 70-degree Fiat V8 engine. The Fiat unit was fitted with two Weber carburetors and was capable of producing 110 horsepower. With triple Weber carburetors, the power rose even further. There were aluminum drum brakes and an independent suspension at all four corners.

Production of the Siata was low, with around sixty examples being produced during the early 1950s. Despite these low figures, there were many name variations on the machines, most common were the 208 S and the 208 CS. The high cost and the availability of many other alternatives were the primary reasons for the low production figures.

Despite their exclusivity, these small and nimble machines are admired for their elegant and graceful designs.

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