Having been hidden away for over 56 years, this SCCA champion car made its first appearance at the famous Pebble Beach Concourse d’Elegance on 26 August 2018 since it’s complete, professional restoration.
Only 31 two-litre SIATA 8V 208S Spiders were manufactured between 1953 and 1954. Made by hand in Italy, almost entirely from light alloy, equipped with a sophisticated eight cylinder all-alloy engine and independent suspension of all four wheels, this Spider was a competitive and highly advanced creation of Italian automotive art – an elegant and ultra-rare car indeed!
With about 40 races on its pedigree in its time, this particular SIATA 8V Spider definitely has the largest race history of any SIATA 8V Spider in the world and, most likely, even more than any of the 114 examples of the FIAT and SIATA 8V Berlinetta’s.
This Spider turned out to be a true winner with many first and second places between 1960 and 1962 including Daytona Beach, Watkins Glen, Marlboro, Elkhart lake, Cumberland, Bridgehampton, VIR, Thompson, Montgomery, Lime Rock and others!
An amazing achievement of both the car and driver as this automobile was already 7 years old, racing against much younger cars. Despite the car’s age, the driver become national champion and two years later got second place in the final National Championship ranking. In those days the SCCA series was just about the one and only race series in the USA so attendees took this series very seriously, apart from the lack of safety equipment such as flameproof overalls and certified helmets.
Same family ownership voor 52 years
After its racing career, the car was stored in a private garage by the same family near San Diego for 52 years. Since its glorious discovery, the Spider has been professionally restored by marque specialist Strada e Corsa. The work was carried out in collaboration with our partners in Italy. About 56 professionals shared in the process to bring this beauty back to its original livery in staggering condition.
The restoration took about 5,000 hours of artisan labour by the fully committed craftsmen of the team. Dedication and attention to the smallest details resulted in a SIATA Spider just as it was when delivered in 1953. The milk white finish and Bordeaux red interior dress a host of jewel-like details under the engine bonnet, on the dashboard and wonderful suspension.
The period flimsy roll-bar, trophies and ‘Sebring style’ windshield have been kept with the car as relics and present a fond memory to its rough racing career five decades ago.
Flying from Amsterdam to California to meet at the Pebble Beach Concours
Following its complete restoration by Strada e Corsa, the car had accumulated just 200 test miles before making its appearance on the prestigious lawn at Pebble Beach. Airfreighted from Amsterdam to California specifically for the event, the team awaited the judges’ opinions with a modest sense of confidence. This assurance was well-founded, as Strada e Corsa has completed more than 25 FIAT 8V and SIATA 8V restorations, earning over 50 concours victories including first, second, and third-place awards at Pebble Beach. True to their reputation, Strada e Corsa remains a highly experienced professional team driven by a healthy obsession for detail and originality.
We hope you enjoy reading about our exciting adventures and endeavours and please feel free to contact us if you are interested to join us on one of these adventures in the future.
Best regards,
Lennart & Jurriaan Schouwenburg
