1952 Siata 208CS Berlinetta
Using Fiat's Otto Vù engine and chassis with a unique coupe body, this was Siata's answer to events like the Mille Miglia. Before the 208CS, Societa Italianà Applicazioni Techniche Automobilistiche had built up quite a reputation building racing parts for Fiat and even making whole new cars from Fiat components. When Fiat's, Otto Vù (8V) came it was a natural choice for a Siata's new car.
Fiat used Siata to help develop the Otto Vù prototypes. They were centered around a unique 70 degree engine designed by Dante Giacosa. After those were finished, Siata hired Rudolph Hruska to make their own chassis around the Otto Vù engine. The resulting chassis was shorter and used a short drive shaft. Six to ten of these chassis were built, which used curved chassis rails. The arrangement allowed for an especially low driving position and low overall height.
The first car, chassis CS052, was prepared for the upcoming Torino Auto Show. Stabilimenti Farina designed and executed the body which was exceptionally low. The design used retractable headlights, a wrap around windshield and small side windows. In 1953 Stabilimenti Farina closed so Balbo completed the subsequent Coupes to the same design.
The car debuted at the Turin Auto Show in April. Not long thereafter, three identical Coupes entered the Mille Miglia. Two retired, but the remaining car driven by Franco Rol and Gino Munaron finished 11th overall, behind the Ferrari and Lancia in the same class.
Chassis.
CS052-1952 Stabilimenti Farina Berlinetta. Completed for the 1952 Turin Motor Show and withdrawn early for the Mille Miglia. After a DNF, the car sent back to factory for modifications. It was then campaigned in Italian national events before being shipped overseas States and found its way into the Jarl de Boer collection. In 2002, it was sold from this collection and restored by Fabio Calligaris at Inzago in Italy. All the mechanics were restored in Belgium by Strada e Corsa in Holland.
Offered by Bonhams at their Exceptional Motorcars and Automobilia auction for $1,600,000 - 1,900,000. Described as "Of the approximately 61 Fiat Otto Vù-based SIATAs built from 1952 to 1954, this SIATA 208CS s/n CS052 Stabilimenti Farina Coupe – built for the Turin Auto show and the Mille Miglia – is one of the most significant and dramatic of the rare and beautiful 208S SIATAs. It combines a documented racing history, outstanding engineering, stunning coachwork with an impeccable pedigree. CS052 is a classic combination of three elements: SIATA construction, Fiat Otto Vù (V8) mechanicals and an ultra light racing body by Stabilimenti Farina."
CS057-1954 Balbo Berlinetta. Imported into New York in 1954 where it has remained in same family ever since. In 2005, the car had 36,000 original miles and had been repainted but never fully restored. As such it has its original body and engine.













