1953 Siata 208 S Spyder

Siata was a Turin, Italy, based company that primarily manufactured parts for Fiat and other makes. It later became a vehicle manufacturer, typically using a modified Fiat drivetrain and chassis as the basis for its sports cars. Several of the cars were successfully raced in America. The 208 came about largely because Siata was able to buy 56 Fiat 2.0-liter V8 engines, of which the company produced another 114 for its own short lived and ill-fated sports car, the Otto Vu.

Built on a trim 90-inch wheelbase, the 208 is topped by an alloy body and no-frills cockpit; its design is generally attributed to Giovanni Michelotti. The modest one-ton weight combined with the 105 horsepower engine provided excellent performance. A box-section chassis, all-independent suspension featuring coil springs and double wishbones at all four corners and aluminum disc brakes added to the performance capabilities of the car. Priced at $5,300, this was quite the Hollywood status symbol when only. Only 35 were produced between 1953 and 1955.

The original owner possessed this vehicle from 1955 through 1965 when it was sold to the current owner. It was then sold to a Los Angeles car enthusiast Dale Koppe. While in his care, Barry Silverman discovered the car and made inquires about purchasing it over a period of 16 years. Silverman purchased the car in 1978 and raced it a Willow Springs, Laguna Seca and Riverside.

The Blackhawk Collection acquired the Siata where it was displayed in a museum for 7 years.

The vehicle then changed hands a number of times before being re-restored.

The current owners acquired the car in March of 2016. This vehicle is powered by a 1997 cc V8 engine developing 125 horsepower.

This Siata 208S (chassis number BS514) was first imported into the United States in 1953 by Pebble Beach Road Race participant and European sports car dealer Ernie McAfee. His Los Angeles company bought 25 of the 35 Siatas built. Although they were expensive cars in their day, Siatas were renowned for their advanced suspension and crisp handling. They always performed well at races like the Carrera Panamericana and at circuits like Riverside and Laguna Seca. The 208S had a 2-liter Fiat V8 engine and fully independent suspension, and the bodywork was designed by Rocco Motto. This small Italian design house bodied a limited number of racing cars from a variety of manufacturers, combining elegance with light weight.