Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Steve McQueen's Siata (1953 Siata 208-S)

by Mike - 

Yes, Steve McQueen owned this Siata. The Siata 208-S was designed by Michelotti and hand-built by Bertone in 1953, utilizing the Fiat V8 2 liter engine and 4 speed transmission. The engine in this Siata has been enlarged to 2.3 liters and produces 137 hp.


This car, BS-523, was acquired by Steve McQueen in the mid to late 1950s. Approximately 35 of the Siata Spiders were built, with most being delivered to the US West Coast. 



Tony Singer, below, has owned this wonderful car since 2000.


The stunning clean design provided many styling cues seen in later cars like the AC Ace which later became the AC Cobra (look at the front of the Siata you will see the beginning of the AC Cobra style).



This car is a show winner (shown at Pebble Beach twice, won "Best Italian Car" at the 2001 Concours on Rodeo in Beverly Hills), was restored by an expert and was originally gun-metal grey. This special car was at the Cars of Steve McQueen exhibition at The Petersen Auto Museum in Los Angeles.




A rare set of Heuer instruments, watch and stop-watch.


This Siata is an immediate accepted entry into any world-class driving event from the Mille Miglia to the Colorado Grand or California Mille, and would be welcome at any concours event.




Tony Singer will consider selling this car. If you have a serious interest contact me at michael.gulett@gmail.com and I will connect you with Tony.

Click on the images for a larger view.

This Siata was featured in Octane Magazine in May 2009:

“In many ways the Siata is a better car than an XK120, 342 America or even a Cal Spider because of it’s superior balance, refinement and agility.” Winston Goodfellow.

The pictures below are by Winston Goodfellow.



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