Noted as an eccentric outlier in the world of car companies…Siata was founded by amateur race driver Giorgio Ambosini in Turin Italy.
This somewhat obscure company got its start in 1926 producing specialized performance parts and tuning engines for Fiat. After WWII it would design and manufacture a few of its own avant-garde models in extremely limited quantities. Considered an innovative trailblazer…in 1953 the company raised the stakes and built the ingenious 208S Spyder. Available in both convertible or hard top, the 208S (sport) was a distinctive Italian sports car. It was manufactured from 1953-1955 with only 35 units built…including 2 Bertone designed prototypes. The new racer was clothed in an all aluminum lightweight shell designed by Giovanni Michelotti…built by Rocco Motto…and is the compliment to the 208 CS.
Keeping in mind this car came 9 years prior to the Cobra, it was considered to be an amazing race car. One of the 208S Spyders was actually fitted with a Shelby Cobra V8 and is privately owned in California.
As delivered…the Siata 208S Spyder offered sophisticated engineering and was fitted for the all-aluminum (2.0L Fiat tipo 104) V-8 engine…capable of 125hp with a reported top speed of 115mph…0-60 in 7 seconds. All of the engines were modified for elite performance.
This little rocket was renowned for its exceptional handling and provided near perfect weight distribution of 50/50 front and back. Utilizing a box-section tube frame…the car has a curb weight of just 1,960lbs, the wheelbase is 2,692 mm (106 inches) and it uses coil springs, shock absorbers, 4-wheel independent suspension, and a 5-speed manual gearbox.
The car became quite famous when actor/race driver Steve McQueen purchased a 208S Spyder in the late 1950s. These unique elegant race cars are topping $1.5million and are rarely seen.
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