Siata 208S

The Siata 208S is an Italian sports car produced by Siata. Presented in 1952, the 208S wore a lightweight sports spider aluminum body designed by Giovanni Michelotti and built by Rocco Motto. Only 35 examples of the 208S were produced, including the two Bertone designed prototypes. It is the roadster counterpart to the Siata 208 CS.

History

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".

Performance

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 and allowed it to reach a top speed of 200 km/h. Road & Track recorded a 0-60 mph time of 12.4 seconds and a quarter mile time of 17.8 seconds during its tests. The 208s wore all aluminum bodywork and featured four wheel independent suspension which was advanced for its time.