Steve McQueen's 'Little Ferrari': The Forgotten Gem of Italian Automotive History
Nicknamed "Little Ferrari" by Hollywood icon Steve McQueen, the Siata 208S is a stunning two-seat roadster developed by a little-known Fiat tuning house that briefly became a boutique carmaker. Dive deep into the rich history of this obscure yet mesmerizing machine, which reflects a golden era of motoring innovation and style.
The Rise of Siata
In the immediate aftermath of World War II, the automotive world was revving its engines for a renaissance. By the 1950s, sports cars were in vogue, fueled by the excitement of events like Formula 1. Italy, often considered the cradle of automotive design and racing, was teeming with renowned brands like Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, and Lancia. Amidst these automotive giants, a smaller but equally ambitious firm called Siata (Società Italiana Auto Trasformazioni Accessori) began making waves with a series of intriguing models.
Founded in 1926 by racing enthusiast Giorgio Ambrosini, Siata initially focused on creating performance parts for Fiat cars. Although the company barely survived the ravages of World War II, it emerged stronger and diversified its portfolio, venturing into the production of its own sports cars. Siata's early offerings, like the nimble 1950 Daina, laid the groundwork for what would become the pinnacle of their engineering prowess—the 208S.
Performance Powered by Fiat's First V8
The Daina's successor, the 208S, marked a significant leap in performance thanks to Fiat's advanced new engine. In 1952, Fiat debuted its first production V8 engine, known as the 8V (Otto Vu). Despite its relatively modest 2.0-liter displacement, this all-aluminum powerhouse, designated Typo 104, packed an initial 104 horsepower thanks to twin-choke Weber carburetors. Its lightweight and compact design made it an ideal fit for the 208S.
Siata's engineers quickly recognized the potential of this new engine. After acquiring several units from Fiat, they set about designing the 208S, a model that would amp up the Daina's sporting credentials. The project featured a two-door coupe version dubbed the 208 CS and debuted at the 1952 Turin Auto Show. Although only eighteen coupes were built, they showcased a blend of craftsmanship and innovative engineering that would peak with the introduction of the 208S roadster.
A Showcase of Coachbuilding Expertise
The 208S entered production in 1953 and was lauded as a marvel of vehicle design and engineering. A bespoke tubular frame kept the roadster's weight at a svelte 2,460 pounds (1,116 kg). This lightweight construction was paired with fully independent suspension and a series of Fiat-sourced components, ensuring top-notch performance and handling. The all-aluminum body, penned by Giovanni Michelotti and built by Carrozzeria Motto, was a masterpiece of aesthetic and functional design. Its flowing curves and minimalist lines drew inevitable comparisons to the era's most beautiful Ferraris.
The 208S wasn’t just a pretty face; it was also a dynamic performer. It shared many components with Fiat's 8V, including a custom-tuned suspension and a robust braking system. The roadster's heart, a Siata-tuned version of the 8V engine, boasted performance upgrades that pushed its output to an estimated 125–150 horsepower. Though official records noted a 0 to 60 mph time of 12.4 seconds and a top speed of 124 mph, these figures might undersell the car’s true capabilities.
The Era of Fame: McQueen’s 'Little Ferrari'
Between 1953 and 1955, Siata produced only 33 examples of the 208S. Despite its limited production, the car managed to find its way across the Atlantic, thanks in part to West Coast importer Ernie McAfee. Among its most famous owners was Steve McQueen, who reportedly placed Ferrari badges on his Siata, further perpetuating its nickname, 'Little Ferrari'. McQueen became an advocate for the car’s impeccable build quality, dazzling aesthetics, and stellar handling.
Interestingly, the lore of the Siata 208S extends to a Shelby Cobra connection. In 1962, cinematographer Kent Wakeford acquired a 208S and later equipped it with a 260-ci Shelby-tuned Ford V8, making it the most powerful 208S ever. This unique car, which underwent complete restoration, fetched a significant bid at an RM Sotheby's auction in 2014, though it didn't meet the owner's reserve.
A Legend Unjustly Overlooked
Despite its Italian pedigree and the allure of Hollywood association, the Siata 208S has largely slipped into obscurity. This might be because it wasn’t mass-produced or backed by a major carmaker. However, for those in the know, it remains a perfect driver's car—a harmonious blend of style, engineering, and performance. To experience the allure of this rare gem firsthand, viewers can check out MyClassicCarTV's in-depth walkthrough on YouTube.
The Siata 208S is not just a “Little Ferrari”; it’s a testament to an era where innovation and exquisite design were the heartbeats of automotive passion.