A new object of desire goes up for auction, the Siata 208 CS from 1953 with bodywork signed by Balbo. Specifically, one of the 6 models that exist that has this body. Fiat 8V type 104 engine and completely restored according to the high quality standards of the moment, this unit is the living example of such mythical routes as the Mille Miglia.
A little history
Siata, the passionate Italian company, made its mark on the automotive industry with vehicles like the 208 CS. For 45 years, under the direction of the Ambrosini family, Siata created an impressive array of vehicles that stood out above all other Italian cars. Specialized in performance improvements for FiatSiata offered overhead valve conversions, multi-speed gearboxes, superchargers, and multi-carb intakes—everything classic car lovers craved.
As Fiat focused on small, practical cars, Siata became a haven for enthusiasts seeking a touch of power and customization in their vehicles. With financial backing from Fiat after World War II, Siata began producing small cars with custom bodies bearing the brand’s hallmarks. But it was in 1950 when Siata made a significant leap with the arrival of Rudolf Hruska. With his previous experience at Porsche and his collaboration with Carlo Abarth, Hruska brought an innovative approach to SIATA.
The motor
Under the leadership of Rudolf Hruska, SIATA secretly worked on the development of a 2.0-liter V8 engine, known as “Otto Vu”, marking Fiat’s exciting return to the world of high-performance classic cars. Siata, a company that valued elegance, power and customization, became a revered name for classic car lovers.
This unusual 70º V8 engine featured aluminum castings with a wedge-shaped combustion chamber. The induction was done through dual throat Weber carburettors and downdraft. This engine debuted in Geneva in 1952 causing an absolute sensation and the Fiat super sports car (so called by many journalists of the time) defied the canons of the time: the advanced chassis featured independent coil suspension with four-corner telescopic springs and shock absorbers resulting in a very sophisticated platform for the time, with flexible and adaptive handling it was a Rare avis for sports cars of the 50s.
Some 200 Type 104 engines were built to supply the 114 8Vs that Fiat produced. 85 surplus engines they returned to Siata to be modified and improved and given a second life.
The 208 CS Balbo Berlineta from 1952
A treasure for classic car lovers, the Siata 208 CS captivates with its exceptional design and fascinating history. This model was available in two versions: a barchetta type Spider and a aerodynamic cut berlinetta. For the construction of these bodies, Siata collaborated with renowned bodybuilders such as Bertone, Vignale and Stabilimenti Farina, who also worked on the iconic Ferrari designs of the time. One of the most elegant berlinettas created was one of these units sculpted by Balbo of Turin. Only nine copies were madeof which six survive.
This CS072, was registered for the first time in August 1953, was originally acquired by a Milanese businessman. It then passed to an owner in Clermont-Ferrand, France, before being imported into the United States. In 1964 Gordon Gumble of Tucson, Arizona bought it and briefly enjoyed it. In 1968, Charles Betz, a collector and enthusiast of the brand, bought CS072 in a used but functional condition.
In 1984, he sold it to Italian sports car collector Peter Kaus of Germany, who included it in his acclaimed Bianco Rosso Collection in Aschaffenburg. In 2004 CS072, along with much of Kaus’s collection, was acquired by Dutch collector Evert Louwman. Subsequently, it was passed on to Tim Walker of Pasadena, California. Walker undertook a complete restoration of the car, discovering remnants of its original paint and upholstery, which were meticulously reproduced on the unit that will be auctioned shortly.
Walker decided to preserve much of Balbo’s handcrafted charm in this unit of the CS072, while maintaining the original welded joints, imperfect enamel insignia and carved sheet metal details. Although the car retains its authenticity, it presents exceptional quality in all aspects, including its polished imitation Borrani spoke wheels and Pirelli Cinturato HS tyres.
This Siata 208CS has obtained various awards at prestigious events, such as the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where it received third prize in its category. She has also participated in showings at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering in 2019 and received Best-in-Class at the Amelia Concours d’Elegance in 2022.
With its state-of-the-art chassis, impressive power-to-weight ratio and exceptionally beautiful berlinetta bodywork, Balbo’s Siata 208CS is a rare and prized gem among classic Italian mid-century cars. The CS072 is a notable example of this model and is eligible to participate in select gatherings, such as the Mille Miglia, and Concours d’Elegance events around the world. One last price estimate: in 2021 this same unit sold for $1.62 million…
Source and photos courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
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