This 1952 SIATA DAINA Convertible, chassis number SL 0168, eligible for the Mille Miglia, was completely restored in 2005-2006 by a Northern Italian specialist, earning the coveted ASI Targa Oro and the FIAT Heritage certificate for the quality and originality of the restoration.
It received specific mentions for its originality. The aluminum and chrome parts are in particularly beautiful condition. The car also features its rare chrome wheel studs. All the badges, also very rare, are present, making this a unique piece. The interior is in very good condition. Its roadholding is impeccable.
According to the registry, only seven examples have survived.
The exterior paint is light green metallic, and the body is aluminum (except for the doors). The engine is a 1400 cc Fiat 4-cylinder modified by Siata with a special head and pistons and dual Weber 32 carburetors. It has a power output of 53 kW and has undergone a complete rebuild and preparation for the Mille Miglia.
Founded in 1926 in Turin, Italy, by Giorgio Ambrosini, Siata (Società Italiana Auto Trasformazioni Accessori) began as a tuning company specializing in the modification of FIAT vehicles. When the company, renamed Siata Auto Spa, subsequently introduced its first production car in 1949, Fiat components were the logical choice for the new Amica convertible. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, several American engines were adopted, including Crosley, Ford, and Chrysler V8s, in addition to Fiat’s own engines. Siata’s Daina model in the early 1950s was based on the Fiat 1400 and built in two body styles: Cabriolet and Coupé, most of which were built first by Stabilimenti Farina and then by Bertone. The cars were later designated “SL” (Scatolato Lamiera).
The Daina used the FIAT 1400 overhead valve engine, modified by Siata with special head and pistons and an intake manifold made for two carburetors. A 1,500 cc unit was available as an option. Siata was active in racing from its earliest days, and a Daina Cabriolet driven by Dick Irish and Bob Fergus won its class in the inaugural 1952 Sebring 12 Hours, finishing third overall ahead of several larger cars. This 1952 Siata Daina, chassis number SL 0168 from Stabilimenti Farina, was completely restored in 2005-2006 by a Northern Italian specialist, strictly adhering to the original specifications and colors in which this particular Trasformabile left the factory.
