With an
alloy body created by Bertone and its tuned Fiat 1.8
overhead valve engine, a sparkling Siata Daina, the
stylish and capable on both the road and racetrack coupé
that truly defined the historic brand, will be one of
the curios of RM's Monaco auction in just under two
weeks time.With
just one owner from new, a recent restoration and
boasting an original 1.8-litre Siata-tuned engine as
well as being accompanied by a copy of the original
colour sales brochure, RM is plumping a sales estimate
of 80,000-100,000 euros for this Daina Sports Coupé
(Chassis No: L-0326-C) when it goes under the gavel in
Monaco on May 12.
History
Founded by Giorgio Ambrosini in 1926, Societá Italiana
Auto Trasformazioni Accessori (SIATA) initially
specialised in performance modifications for Fiats and
released the first car of its own design, the Amica, in
1939. Post-war, Siata produced a very successful
auxiliary bicycle motor, continued producing performance
accessories and released a string of new models.
Ernie McAfee was Siata’s West Coast distributor in the
USA, and the American enthusiast press praised all Siata
models for their excellent handling, handsome styling
and startling performance. Competition success was
strong at such storied events as the Mille Miglia and
Coppa della Toscana.
The elegant yet sporting Daina, in open Gran Sport and
Coupé form, with bodies by Stabilimenti Farina, Bertone
and others, exemplified Siata. The Daina’s effectiveness
was confirmed at the inaugural 12 Hours of Sebring in
1952, where Dick Irish and Bob Fergus piloted a Daina to
first in class and third overall, lapping a Ferrari 166
and Jaguar XK120 in the process!
With just one owner from new, this example benefits from
proper maintenance and a recent restoration. It retains
the original 1,817 cc engine and is truly resplendent in
its two-tone exterior finish, complemented by wire-spoke
wheels, a restored interior with square-weave carpeting
and features including a racing-style quick-release
petrol-filler cap, full instrumentation and a Pianola
solid-state AM radio.
Listed in the Italian
Car Registry, complete with a factory colour brochure
and nicely presented throughout, this Siata Daina Coupé
is simply a wonderful example, with its competition-bred
chassis and mechanicals, and striking Bertone bodywork.
Technical
Specifications
Siata-tuned Fiat OHV
inline four-cylinder engine, twin carburettors,
five-speed manual gearbox (overdrive fifth), platform
chassis with coil-spring front suspension and live rear
axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel
hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 2,400 mm (94.5").
