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
ManufacturerSiata
Also calledSiata 208 Sport
Production1952
Model years1953-1955 (33 produced)
DesignerGiovanni Michelotti
Body and chassis
Body style2-door roadster
LayoutFR Layout
RelatedSiata 208 CS
Fiat 8V
Powertrain
Engine2.0L Fiat tipo 104 V8
Transmission5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,692 mm (106 in)
Curb weight1960 lb (889 kg)
Chronology
PredecessorSiata Daina
208s Interior

History

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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

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208s at Rétromobile in 2012
 
The Fiat 2-liter V8 in a Siata 208

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

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  1. ^ "Siata 208, capolavoro italiano da 2 mln di dollari". OmniAuto.it. Retrieved 2018-03-03.
  2. ^ "1953 SIATA 208S". www.fantasyjunction.com. Retrieved 2018-03-03.
  3. ^ "1953 Siata 208S | | SuperCars.net". Supercars.net. 2016-04-22. Retrieved 2018-03-03.
  4. ^ "Cobra-powered Siata 208S Spyder heads to auction". www.hemmings.com. Retrieved 2018-03-03.