Siata (Società Italiana Auto Transfromazioni Accessori) was based in Turin in 1926, initially specializing in producing accent and tuning components. Over time, the corporate gained recognition for its collaborations with Fiat, creating particular editions and tuning kits for numerous fashions.
The Delivery of the Siata 208 CS
One in every of these collaborations led to the event of a brand new all-aluminium 2.0-litre V8 engine, designed initially for a Fiat sedan that was meant to interrupt into the US market. Whereas the sedan itself didn’t obtain industrial success, the engine’s potential was simple, finally discovering its approach into Fiat’s 8V “Otto Vu” sports activities automotive. Nonetheless, the 8V too struggled to draw consumers, main Fiat to supply 50 of those V8 engines to Siata to be used in their very own designs.
Modern Engineering and Design
Siata put these engines to good use, creating the 208 S (Spider) and 208 CS (Coupé) fashions. Each automobiles had been technically superior for his or her time, that includes a tubular ladder chassis building and unbiased suspension throughout. The 8V engine, with Siata’s modifications to the consumption, camshaft, and carburettors, produced round 125bhp, powering the rear wheels by way of a five-speed transmission.
Working with a few of Italy’s best coachbuilders, Siata supplied the 208 S barchetta, which featured hand-formed aluminium our bodies from Michelotti and Carrozzeria Motto. The 208 CS berlinetta, then again, obtained our bodies first from Stabilimenti Farina and later from Carrozzeria Balbo. In complete, roughly 53 models had been bought, of which solely 18 had been 208 CS berlinetta coupés. Remarkably, simply 11 of those had been bodied by Carrozzeria Balbo, making them exceptionally uncommon.
A Racing Legacy
The Siata 208 CS (chassis CS071), that I pictured on the Concours of Class 2024, first discovered a house with American racer Robert Grier, who campaigned the automotive in competitors alongside the legendary René Dreyfus. After its racing profession, the automotive was bought to Russell G. Sceli and later entered the long-term possession of Dr Julius Eisenstark.
Dr Eisenstark launched into a multi-year transformation of the 1953 Siata 208 CS, turning it from a stripped-down racing machine right into a barely extra civilised grand tourer (GT). The upgrades included the addition of inside upholstery, a heater with defrost, and additional engine cooling to boost drivability.
A Pebble Seaside Star
By 1990, the automotive was proudly displayed on the prestigious Pebble Seaside Concours d’Class, below the care of Walter Eisenstark. Years later, in 2017, the Eisenstark household entrusted the automotive to Automotive Restorations Inc in Stratford, Connecticut, for restoration work. Sadly, throughout a check drive, the automotive was hit whereas stationary, inflicting important injury.
Regardless of this setback, the choice was made to revive the automotive to its authentic, show-quality situation. In only a few months, the 1953 Siata 208 CS was fantastically restored to its former glory, full with its authentic medium blue paint. Shortly after, in 2018, the automotive triumphed in its class on the Amelia Concours and later returned to Pebble Seaside in 2022. Lastly, after 64 years of single-family possession, it was bought at public sale to its present custodian.
Technical Specs
Engine – 1996cc/V8/naturally aspirated/SOHCTransmission – 5-speed guide, RWDPower – 125bhpTorque – 108lb ftTop Velocity – 125mph0-60MPH – N/AWeight – 990kg
What a ravishing, beautiful automotive, a murals. Tremendous cool in my thoughts. What do you suppose? This automotive actually caught my consideration and made it into my prime 10 automobiles on the 2024 Concours of Class. Try that prime 10 right here.
