Historically, Italy has produced some of the greatest cars in the world, with the likes of Ferrari dominating the market. Lesser known cars have made an impact as well, such as the Siata 208S Spider. The motor featured several innovations that helped it stand out against other models. We’re looking into the history of the car to see how it was designed.
Italian innovation
As a company, Siata differed from other manufacturers because they were tuning specialists. Compared to more established names like Maserati, Siata was small, but it didn’t stop the organisation from developing their own unique model. Developed in the 1950s, the Siata 2080S became an amalgamation of several parts.
The Spider came with a Fiat alloy Tip 104 engine and advanced five-speed transmission. Giovanni Michelotti penned the coachwork, while the car was built by Carrozzeria Motto. The body was an evolved version of a classic barchetta, featuring a long front and upright shoulder components.
Racing success
Siata had designed the 208S for the racing track, with the car excelling at its intended purpose. The 208S was entered into SCCA races, soon becoming a cover car for California racing magazines. One of the major reasons why the machine was so popular was because privateers could buy it cheaper than other GT sports vehicles. The 208S also came with a higher power-to-weight ratio.
The car was popular in the UK and US, with a lot of celebrities taking to it. For example, American actor Steve McQueen entered a Siata in the 1958 Palm Spring Road Races. The American magazine Road & Track called it the “sensational new Italian sports car” in 1953.
Siata only made a handful of 208S, with 33 being built alongside two prototypes. Despite the small number, the car came as a major disruption to the SCCA competition establishment. It shocked a lot of of the bigger Italian brands, demonstrating that a small tuning company could produce a successful vehicle.
The 208S Spider deserves to be recognised as an innovative car and one of the greatest Italian motors to ever be produced.
