1952 Siata Daina Cabriolet

SIATA (Societa Italiana Auto Trasformazioni Accessori) , founded in 1926 in Turin, Italy by Giorgio Ambrosini, began life as a tuning firm specializing in the modifications of Fiats. By 1949, the company (renamed to SIATA Auto Spa) introduced its first production car, utilizing FIAT components. During the 1950s and into the 1960s, a variety of United States engines (including Crosley, Ford, and Chrysler V8s) were used in addition to FIAT motors.

The early 1950s SIATA Daina vehicles were based on the Fiat 1400 and built in both Cabriolet and Coupe forms. Most of the coupes Cabriolets were bodied by Stabilimenti Farina and the Coupes by Bertone. Later cars were given the designation 'SL' (Scatolato Lamiera – literally: sheet metal box).

Powering the Daina was the Fiat 1400 overhead valve engine, modified by SIATA with a special cylinder head, pistons and twin-carburetor inlet manifold. An optional 1500cc powerplant was also available.

At the inaugural Sebring 12 Hours race of 1952, a Daina Convertible driven by Dick Irish and bob Ferbus won its class and finished 3rd overall.

This SIATA Daina cabriolet was given a restoration in the mid-2000s. It wears an aluminum body finished in light green metallic with a beige leather interior. Since the restoration, the car has traveled around 2,500 kilometers.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the Monaco sale presented by Bonhams. The car was estimated to sell for €115,000 - 145,000 but bidding failed to satisfy the vehicle's reserve. It would leave the auction unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2012