If last week’s Siata was too expensive for you, we have another entry vying for your wallet, at less than half price! Here at RM Sotheby’s is this unique 1953 Siata-Ford cabriolet, commissioned by Jimmy Mulgrew, a Ford dealer, in the early 1950s. (Was he jealous of Wacky Arnolt’s Siata sedan? Car guys get around, so it’s not outside the realm of possibility.) As the story goes, Mulgrew and his buddy Dick Irish, the famous racer, concocted a plan to send a 1951 Ford to Siata for a wholesale transformation into the cabriolet on offer. Situated on a lengthened Siata 208S frame, but retaining its Ford flathead, with aluminum coachwork by Stabilimenti Farina, this one-off was displayed at Mulgrew’s dealership after its completion in 1953. It cycled through numerous owners in later years, finally receiving a restoration in the late 1980s. After a multi-decade slumber, a new owner undertook another restoration, splitting the car among several experts across continents: the body was restored in Germany, while the mechanicals were rebuilt in California. This Siata remains registered in the Netherlands; the new owner may need to cope with importation and re-registration. For your trouble, and since it bears a mundane Ford flathead, the estimate is $225,000 to $300,000 – far less than a purebred Siata. The car will be auctioned in Monterey on August 15th. Thanks to Araknid78 – as always – for this wonderful tip!
Correspondence included in the documents file indicates that the original flathead V8 engine was “box stock” except for “batwing” air cleaners designed to clear the low hood line and a tube header. At some point, an owner installed Offenhauser finned aluminum heads and a dual-carb Offy intake manifold. The intake is discolored at the rear carb. The factory ’51 flathead gave an output of 100hp, but we’re looking at something north of that thanks to these performance parts. No details are provided about the manual transmission; the ’51 Ford came with either a three-speed or the same with overdrive.
The cabin is splendid with only hints of wear, upholstered in parchment leather, and trimmed with aluminum interior handles. Bespoke fretwork is installed just below the window. The steering wheel is oddly awkward, but the same correspondence that discusses the engine notes that this is not the same wheel installed when the car was first built. That center gauge is direct from the donor 1951 Ford. The tan canvas convertible top is in acceptable condition, with the top frame neatly painted to match.
The striking red/black body with its two “portholes”, perched on Borrani wire wheels, wears both Ford and Siata badging. And this is the problem: it’s difficult to peg this car. In a way, the flathead is an anticlimax, but in another way, it’s the kind of mutiny against convention that is irresistible to the right collector. He’s not going to care that it’s a mutt, because it’s a very beautiful and likely reliable mutt. What do you think: does this car’s mixed heritage bother you, or are you all in?
Phew, luckily I just happen to have 300 grand left over after buying the last one,,,is what some might say, I just don’t think people with Gremlin budgets here are looking at exotic Italian cars. So,,again, is it a Deluxe or a Super? We have to remember, the war was particularly detrimental to the Europeans, and almost like the Italians were on a mission to show the world, they had the most stylish cars. Look at this, we were driving big tooth grilled Buicks, while the wealthier Italians, that would probably drive Buicks here, drove these. So, I’m confused, the other one had a modern pushrod V8, and this a flattie Ford from the 30s? Why did they do that? Regardless, for the 50s, it’s a stunning car.
The Arnolt Siata Bertone does not have a modern V8. It has one of the rarest engines in existence, Fiat’s V8, known as the Otto Vu.
I’m seeing a strong hint of the contemporary Ferrari 340, even though the majority of those had Vignale bodies. I wonder if Ford dealer Mulgrew saw one before he commissioned this car….
The weird and wonderful world of European coachbuilders working with American powertrains and and/or chassis is a fascinating story. It seems every Italian coachbuilder — and at least one German house — got in on the fun.
I can’t blame the owner who added the dual-carb manifold and Offy heads. This looks as if it should have much more than 100 horses. At least the Flattie had an exhaust note that was, if not quite up to V12 standards, distinctive.
It’s another case of wistfully looking at my empty wallet as a new owner takes home this prize.
Michelle. You have a knack for posting some beautiful exotic cars on here. ( many of which the names I can’t pronounce). .
Many of them like this one here I’ve never heard of, but glad to see them here and learn something new on here. This one is no exception. Thank you I enjoyed it.
You’re welcome, but I couldn’t do it without Araknid78 who pitches us these exotica. If you’re reading this, Spiderman, I really appreciate the tips. Allows me to stretch into the most interesting parts of automotive history!
“Allows me to stretch into the most interesting parts of automotive history!”
Which you constantly do very well indeed Michelle, I am often reading about a vehicle here on BF and part way through it I think that you must have written it and upon checking, you did. Great stuff.
I have to wonder why they put an outdated Flathead Ford v8 in it when Olds, Cadillac,Studebaker,Chrysler (Hemi) was available and much better engines and more HP
Because it was commissioned by a Ford dealer…..
Perhaps they shoulda used a Slanta Sei…
That steering wheel stock 1951 Ford, same source as the instruments and dashboard, I’ll guess.
They just don’t make beautiful cars anymore. Frankly, given that a car purchase is just as much an emotional decision as it is a transportation decision, I just don’t understand it.
How could anyone look at that car and not feel an emotional tug?
Another great write-up, Michelle. And thank’s for acknowledging the tip I sent BF’s way. As long as you guys keep posting the cars I send your way, I will continue doing so.
I wonder how much this one will go for. It sure is pretty.
I’m late reading this article, I wonder how much it sold for? If it’s up over 300K somebody thinks it is special, me I’d rather have an old Vette and 200K in my pocket…
I do not believe it sold at auction. Currently asking $240,000
Honey, who stole the Buick’s portholes?!
Siata trademark.
Farina trademark, perhaps. In 10 minutes of research I found pictures of around 12 different Siatas. Only the two bodied by Farina have portholes.
Almost as stylish as a Shoebox Ford. What a lump.
Dang.. that is a really cool car, thanks Michelle, and Araknid78. It appears they changed their mind about the auction though because they now have it listed for 240K USD as an asking price. I’ll have to check the cookie jar and see if I have the spare change. ;-)
A beautiful car, although the steering wheel looks out of place and to me like it is off a French car? No?
Nope. Off the 1951 Ford donor car.
Someday I’m hoping BF shows a Fiat 8V motor for sale! There are a few Siatas looking for one.