Tuned by Siata for 125 horsepower or more, the Siata 208S, in Coupe and Spider variants, delivered exceptional performance and distinctive aesthetics in the early Fifties. The aggressive, sleek design echoed early racing cars, capturing both power and elegance. Praised for being “a dream to drive,” it seamlessly combined style, handling, and rapid acceleration.
However, such excellence came with a price tag, just under $5,000 in the mid-1950s in the United States. Despite the hefty cost, it found a natural home in California’s design and performance culture, particularly thanks to Los Angeles Hot Rodder Ernie McAfee, who, supported by the wealthy Doheny family, imported the majority of these vehicles, solidifying Siata’s popularity on the West Coast.
The Siata 208S stands out as a sought-after high-performance spider from that era, blending Siata’s history, Fiat-based performance expertise, Rudolf Hruska’s design brilliance, the power of the Fiat Otto Vu V8, and the refined beauty of Italian coachwork. Rarely seen today, these cars are infrequently available to collectors, making them appreciated and desirable classics.
Source: Bonhams Cars
