1,100cc, OHC, Inline, 4-Cylinder Engine
2 Weber Carburetors
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension by Transverse Leaf Spring, Rear, Semi-Elliptic Leaf Spring
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Period race history
*Unique Bertone Coachwork
*Complete with history file
*Rare, beautiful Italian classic

The SIATA 300BC

SIATA - Società Italiana Applicazioni Techniche Auto-Aviatorie - was founded in 1926 by an amateur racing driver called Giorgio Ambrosini and, as the name implies, tuned cars, mainly FIATs and sold performance equipment.

After WWII, SIATA turned to making its own engines and gearboxes, and its astonishingly diverse range of models included one with a V8. Every SIATA was a joy to drive and owners enjoyed a fair degree of competition success with them. Apart from Italy, the company's largest market was America where the Barchetta was sold as the 'Spyder'. Launched at the 1952 Geneva Salon, the Mario Revelli de Beaumont penned and Bertone built 300BC was very much aimed at US clientele fond of small 'Made in Italy' sports cars. The Influential de Beaumont had worked for many of Italy's finest styling houses, most notably Pininfarina.

Siata produced approximately 50 300BC Spyders. Roughly the first 40 cars were built by Bertone, while the last 10 (approximately) were constructed by Turin based Motto. Motto is well-known for their 166, 195, and 212 Ferrari bodies as well as the Porsche Abarth GTL. The 300BC was available with either Crosley or Fiat derived engines, though some were imported with no drivetrains. Since it was aimed squarely at competition rather than for normal road use, the Spyder was fitted with large, finned, Stanguellini brakes. The little Siatas proved good competitors and displayed excellent handling and maneuverability. The Fiat motors could be tuned to make excellent power, more than enough to make the feather weight Siata a potent performer.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

As is common of bespoke, coach built European sports cars of the period, no two examples of the same model of car are ever truly identical. This delightful little Siata 300BC certainly furthers this assertion.
According to noted SIATA historian, John De Boer, ST427BC is believed to be the only 300BC to be originally fitted with a Cisitalia 1100 motor- this being a derivative of the more common Fiat 1100. Further, its Bertone sculpted coachwork features the only known body to contain both a wide center hood scoop and flared fenders. Both add a delightful sporty edge to this diminutive barchetta.

While its original owner cannot be absolutely verified, it is known that very early on, the SIATA had been owned by noted SCCA racer Walter Kern of Boston. Within some circles he is better known for having developed the Saab Quantum series of sports racers. Period photos from a magazine published by the Sports Car Club of New Hampshire display the vehicle with aero screen and not a full width windshield. Soon after the article was published, the SIATA traded hands to Richard Waite, also a Mass. Resident and amateur racer. As such, the car continued its campaign within the North east racing scene. After being mothballed for a number of years, the car reemerged in 1975 to be sold to sold to Gordon Matson of Concord, New Hampshire. He would go on to keep the vehicle for another 15 years before Robert Valpey purchased the vehicle and promptly commenced a restoration. Its first outing post-completion was at the 1991 VSCCA spring sprints. In 1993, the car would be purchased by a southerner and for the first time, the SIATA left the Northeast. Down south, the car would continue to do what it was designed for: racing. However, after several years vintage racing the SIATA would eventually be converted for road use.

Some point in the vehicle's early history, its original motor was swapped out for a 1100cc Fiat unit, and today it breathes through a pair of Weber 36DR4SP carbs, an Abarth intake manifold, and out through a 3 into 2 header. Leftover from its competition days are a fuel cell. Without much work, the car can be converted back to a competition machine, but its lively engine and pleasant handling make for a nimble road machine. Included in the sale is a comprehensive file containing restoration photos, copies of historical information, along with a numerous invoices, and spares.

Whether recommissioned as a vintage racer, or kept as a road car, the undoubtably classic lines of this SIATA ensure its appreciation amongst dedicated enthusiasts for years to come.