I’ll admit to finding some of the lines of this Balbo-bodied 1954 Siata 208S coupe a bit ungainly, but there’s still plenty of exquisiteness to the car, probably thanks to the careful touch of its restorer. From the seller’s description:
Reputed to be one of eight left in existence, this car has gone through a complete restoration. It is such a rare and historically correct example that it is eligible for the Mille Miglia, Colorado Grand and major Concours. As delivered in 1954, it has a Fiat 8V engine coupled to Fiat 4-speed gear box. Great car, exceptionally rare and beautiful.
History: Societa Italianà Applicazioni Techniche Automobilistiche (SIATA) was established in Turin on July 19th 1926, by Giorgio Ambrosini who intended to make high performance accessories for Fiat cars. SIATA created overhead valve heads for the side valve Fiat 514, known as the SuperTesta SIATA Mille Miglia. In 1932, Fiat introduced the 508 Balilla, Fiat’s first low-priced car, high-volume car. SIATA’s tuning accessories produced for the Balilla meant that they profited accordingly.
The Fiat Otto Vù engine and chassis, developed by Dante Giacosa for use in a new mid size Fiat passenger car, the lightweight narrow angle (70 degrees) two-liter V8 was not ready in time for the introduction of the Fiat 1400 in 1950. Giacosa decided to proceed with an upscale sports car which would utilize the new V8; SIATA was employed to produce the first prototype. The Fiat Otto Vù, Tipo 106, was introduced in March of 1952 to critical acclaim. It was the first Fiat with a V8 and the first to be sold with all-independent suspension. In addition to creating the prototype, SIATA bought at least fifty-six engines and made its own classics with astounding coachwork by Balbo, Vignale and others.
Provenance: This matching numbers SIATA Balbo Coupe Chassis # CS*073*, Engine # CS*072* has undergone a recent thorough restoration with the intent of rally use. All the details have been attended to. This car needs to make no apologies. It is eligible for the Mille Miglia, Colorado Grand and many other historic races. This is an opportunity to own a car that will astonish both racers and collectors.
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