1953 Siata 208S Spider

Took delivery as the first aluminum-bodied production example, used it as a personal demonstrator and competition vehicle, sponsored largely by John Doheny. Modified the car extensively for racing including weight reduction and cooling vents.

College student who acquired the car and raced it at Palm Springs; subsequently had a Buick V-8 installed and the bodywork repainted in metallic green. Eventually the original chassis was reportedly damaged beyond use and discarded.

Kentucky-based buyer who purchased the disassembled car, though the original chassis was not included in the transaction as it had already been discarded.

Respected Italian automotive historian who reunited the drivetrain components with the Motto coachwork in the mid-2000s for the first time in many years, then sold everything on to the consignor.

Commissioned a correct replacement chassis from Quality Cars of Italy and a full mechanical rebuild by Roberto Di Checchi, completing an authentic restoration by 2014 that closely referenced period event photographs.

New Jersey-based collector of Fiat Otto Vu vehicles who acquired the original 8V engine and five-speed gearbox separately from the coachwork.

Inaugural competitive outing for the car, held at the Oxnard, California airport.

Two-day road racing event held approximately two weeks after the Oxnard gymkhana.

Car entered as number 165, co-sponsored by John Doheny. Ran 5th in Sports Class after the first leg; briefly led on the second leg before a brush with a cement post ended the run, though pace was competitive against the eventual class winner.

First of seven competitive starts recorded during the 1954 season; car had been repainted black and yellow.

Car appeared with freshened preparation; retained race number 165 and was gaining a reputation under the informal nickname the 'Holey Terror'.

Final race entry under McAfee's ownership before he sold the car.

A blown piston during practice sessions prevented the car from taking the start.

Car was running with a Buick V-8 substitution and revised metallic green livery by this point.

Car was invited to and displayed at the prestigious California concours following completion of its authentic restoration.

McAfee transformed the car into a dedicated lightweight competition machine, drilling and perforating numerous non-structural components to reduce mass and cutting cooling vents into the rear wings. A secondary fuel tank with an anti-roll bar was also fitted for the long Carrera stages.

Work carried out over approximately two months in preparation for the 1953 Carrera Panamericana.

Repairs to the steering and front cross-member following the minor collision during the 1953 Carrera Panamericana. Work was completed promptly, with the car ready for the January 1954 Palm Springs event.

A comprehensive, historically authentic restoration was undertaken: Quality Cars of Italy fabricated a correct replacement chassis and repaired and refinished the coachwork, while Roberto Di Checchi of Motor Holding performed a full mechanical and engine rebuild. The finished result replicates the car's 1953 Carrera Panamericana specification, including correct livery, period stickers, secondary fuel tank, anti-roll bar, and cowl-mounted footwell vent.

Commissioned by the European collector who purchased the components in 2007. Extensive reference was made to period photographs of the car at events including the 1953 Carrera Panamericana.

Original Siata engine replaced with a Buick V-8 unit and the car was repainted in metallic green, consistent with prevalent American racing practice of the period.

Carried out during Hamilton Vose III's ownership, prior to the September 1956 Santa Barbara races.

Esteemed Italian car historian John De Boer reunited the original drivetrain components with the Motto coachwork after acquiring both separately in the mid-2000s.

The coachwork was reportedly in astonishingly well-preserved condition at the time of reunification.