One of the last beauty creations of Stabilimenti Farina
As in the article on classic cars that we discussed earlier, almost everything starts with surfing in cyberspace. Likewise with the following classic car named Siata 208 CS Stabilimenti Farina Berlinetta which was produced in a limited number of 15 units by Siata at the end of 1952 to 1954.
As we all know, for many years SIATA (Società Italiana Applicazioni Trasformazioni Automobilistiche) has been specializing in after-sale products for Fiat. So it is not surprising that the Siata 208 CS Stabilimenti Farina Berlinetta is a sporty coupe model that is closely related to the car models made by Fiat at that time.
Yes, it all started when the Italian giant car manufacturer introduced the Fiat 8V model in 1952, this has led to the development of the first Siata chassis constructed by tubular members. Basically the new chassis is not designed exclusively for the Fiat 'Otto Vu' engine, but can also use other V8s (preferably Chrysler's engine). Although in the end only one example was actually installed with the American machine. While the rest of the chassis, mostly using the running gear was retrieved from the Fiat parts bin.
Then the Siata 208 model also has an all-round independent suspension by unequal length arms; at the front of the upper arm operates the shock absorber. This setup was directly derived from the Fiat 1100's front suspension, then there are the large aluminum drum brakes to provide braking power.
With the exception of a Chrysler-engined example, the new Siata uses Fiat's somewhat unusual 70-degree V8 engine. In the trim stock, the Fiat's two-liter OHV engine usually generates 100 bhp of power, but with the application of Siata's hotter camshaft and three Weber carburetors, the burst of power can be increased to 140 bhp and some have even mentioned that it reached 160 bhp.
In the sales brochure, the new Siata for the base model's engine is able to spew up to 110 bhp of power with only two Weber carburetors. Sporting a big ram-air duct the light-alloy engine was bolted onto the chassis together with a four speed gearbox also sourced at Fiat.
Although only about sixty chassis were produced during 1953 and 1954, the Siata recently received at least half a dozen different types. The most common were the 208 S for open-tops and the 208 CS for the slightly larger coupe. It then goes on to mention that the Motto Spiders were the most popular body choice in the 1950s as they fitted the lightweight and fine-handling chassis perfectly.
Unfortunately, it is not known who actually designed it with a classy outline. Most likely it is the work of Franco Scaglione or Giovanni Michelotti. The builder of choice for the 15-unit coupe bodies is the Stabilimenti Farina. But the company went bankrupt after finished only six samples and the remaining nine were constructed along the same lines by the successor coachbuilder, Balbo.
In late 1952, the Siata 208 was launched to much critical acclaim, with journalists having nothing but praise for the good handling and good performance of the Italian thoroughbred. It is known that a California car dealer owned by former street racer named Ernie McAfee then placed an order for a large number of Spiders and it is quite possible that all Motto Spiders went to the United States.
However everyone likes the little Siata, its high price drove customers turn to the much cheaper MG, Jaguar or Porsche. It made McAfee struggled to find buyers for these cars and some were sold as late as 1956. Like the Fiat 8V, the agile Siata 208 is still very much loved today and have a very high price tag, due to the good examples are rare to find. *** [FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ULTIMATECARPAGE ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
Kindly Bookmark and Share it:
Related posts:
Automotives
,
Classic
,
Sportscar
,
Unique
One of the last beauty creations of Stabilimenti Farina
