1953 Siata 208S Spider
- Engine
- 2.0L 70-degree alloy V8, twin Weber 36DCZ carburetors, 125 bhp
The Siata 208S Spider, chassis BS 535, is the last in the sequence of 33 Carrozzeria Motto-bodied examples and one of roughly 35 total V-8 spiders produced. Powered by Fiat's rare alloy Tipo 104 two-litre V-8 with coachwork designed by Giovanni Michelotti, the 208S was a formidable competitor in early SCCA racing. This example passed through long-term American ownership before Walter Eisenstark reunited the car with its original engine and commissioned a multi-year restoration by Epifani Restorations. Subsequently refined to concours standard, it earned top honours at Pebble Beach, Villa d'Este, and Amelia Island.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$1,650,000
- 1954 → 1955Acquisition unknownUnidentified Italian enthusiastpartial documentation
Original purchaser in Italy who subsequently brought the car to the United States in 1955.
- 1956 →Private saleFred Celcepartial documentation
Massachusetts resident and USAF F-100 pilot who acquired the car in spring 1956 and kept it for roughly twelve years in well-maintained condition.
- 1982 → 2009Private saleWalter Eisenstarkfull documentation
Noted marque enthusiast who reunited the chassis with its original engine and commissioned a three-year restoration by Epifani Restorations in Berkeley, California; retained the car for 27 years.
- 2009 →Private saleCurrent consignorfull documentation
Prominent collector who returned the car to Epifani for a concours-grade refinish completed in mid-2011 and subsequently exhibited it at major international concours events with considerable success.
- Date unknownPrivate saleFrank Sweetpartial documentation
Fellow Massachusetts resident who replaced the original Fiat V-8 with a Ford unit, a common modification of that era; the original engine was separated from the car during his tenure.
Competition
- 20112011 Pebble Beach Concours d'EleganceBest in Class; additional Design Elegance award
First major concours appearance after the Epifani refinish was completed in summer 2011; earned two separate awards.
- 20122012 Kuwait Concours d'EleganceMost Elegant Open Car (Chopard award)
Unique prize presented in a Chopard case at this Gulf-region event.
- 2012Art Center College of Design Annual ShowPeople's Choice Award
Featured at the respected Pasadena design institution following the Kuwait appearance.
- 2013-05-012013 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'EstePremio d'Onore
Car was FIVA certified prior to entry; the honorary prize recognized the vehicle's originality and overall presentation quality on the Lake Como stage.
- 20142014 Amelia Island Concours d'EleganceClass win
Final noted concours award in the car's documented exhibition campaign.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2011BodyworkEpifani Restorations
Full concours-level cosmetic refinish executed to original factory specification, completed in the summer of 2011.
Commissioned by the current consignor after the 2009 purchase; work was extensively documented with receipts and photographs.
- —Modification
Original Fiat Tipo 104 V-8 removed and replaced with a Ford V-8 unit, a conversion that was relatively commonplace at the time.
Carried out during Frank Sweet's ownership; the original Fiat engine, designated BS 179, was retained separately.
- —RestorationEpifani Restorations
Comprehensive three-year restoration undertaken after Walter Eisenstark reunited the chassis with its original Fiat V-8 engine; car returned to original factory specification.
Work commissioned by Walter Eisenstark following his 1982 acquisition of the chassis; Epifani is based in Berkeley, California.
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