Siata 208S
The Siata 208S (Sport) is an Italian sports car produced by Siata. Presented in 1952, the 208 Sport wore a lightweight sports spider aluminum body designed by Giovanni Michelotti and built by Rocco Motto.[1] Only 35 208s Spiders were produced, including the two Bertone designed prototypes. It is the roadster counterpart to the Siata 208 CS.
| Siata 208S | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Siata |
| Also called | Siata 208 Sport |
| Production | 1952 |
| Model years | 1953-1955 (33 produced) |
| Designer | Giovanni Michelotti |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door roadster |
| Layout | FR Layout |
| Related | Siata 208 CS Fiat 8V |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.0L Fiat tipo 104 V8 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,692 mm (106 in) |
| Curb weight | 1960 lb (889 kg) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Siata Daina |
History
The car rose to prominence after actor and race car driver Steve McQueen purchased model BS523 from Los Angeles-based Siata importer Ernie McAfee in the mid-1950s. McQueen reportedly rebadged the car with Ferrari emblems and dubbed the car his "Little Ferrari".[2]
Performance
Mechanically, the 208S was derived partly from the Fiat 8V, with which it shared Fiat's all alloy Tipo 104 70° 2-liter V8 engine. This engine produced 125 hp (93.2 kW) and allowed it to reach a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph). Road & Track recorded a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time of 12.4 seconds and a quarter mile time of 17.8 seconds during its tests.[3] The 208s wore all aluminum bodywork and featured four wheel independent suspension which was advanced for its time.[4]
Sources
- "Siata 208, capolavoro italiano da 2 mln di dollari". OmniAuto.it. Retrieved 2018-03-03.
- "1953 SIATA 208S". www.fantasyjunction.com. Retrieved 2018-03-03.
- "1953 Siata 208S | | SuperCars.net". Supercars.net. 2016-04-22. Retrieved 2018-03-03.
- "Cobra-powered Siata 208S Spyder heads to auction". www.hemmings.com. Retrieved 2018-03-03.
