The Siata Spring was a 2-seater roadster built by Italian car builder Siata as a spin-off of the Fiat 850. Introduced in 1967, it featured retro styling with a mock upright radiator grille, separate wings, and headlights, and running boards. It could reach at least 78 mph. This 1970 edition wears an older restoration, runs great, and the seller says it’s ready for you to drive it home. From Avondale, Arizona, the little car is available here on craigslist for $6,000. Thanks, SG, for this sweet tip!
Siata (Società Italiana Auto Trasformazioni Accessori aka Italian Car Transformation Accessories Company in English) was an Italian car tuning shop and manufacturer founded by race car driver Giorgio Ambrosini in 1926. Produced for eight years until the company’s demise in 1975, the Spring was based on a modified Fiat 850 floor pan and used that car’s mechanical components. The Spring would become Siata’s best-selling model with about 3,500 units built in total.
This 1970 model’s great condition is a testament to the care its previous owners gave it, according to the seller. Even though the producing company left it an orphan 46 years ago, parts are not difficult to come by because of its Fiat lineage. The Siata’s engine resides in the back and the 853cc motor is rated at producing 53 hp with a 2-barrel carburetor and headers. We’re told the engine has just received a tune-up and other new installed parts include the muffler, aluminum radiator, fuel pump, master brake cylinder, and tires. The gas tank and fuel lines have also all been cleaned.
Although refreshed some years ago, the red paint may be ready for another go-round, depending on the pickiness of the next owner. It has a new canvas convertible top and center caps for the snazzy wire wheels. The car is said to have less than 45,000 miles on it in total. The seller has one interesting request for those wishing to take a test drive: they need to wear very thin pointed shoes because the operating pedals are in very close proximity to one another. The seller is willing to consider a trade and provides a list of acceptable candidates that’s as long as your arm.
These are suitable only as emergency Concours d’Lemons entry.
I know what it is, but it sure as heck looks like one of those neoclassical kit cars of the 70s.
I think it´s as cute as a button, A great runabout for a fan of Italian machines.
I agree
Fun little car..I’d add some Abarth tuning parts! Saw several of these around Lon don in the 70’s..
Aesthetically, BUTT UGLY!
This car looks like it was designed by a committee. The lines are just awful.
it might have looked a bit better if the grille was narrower and pushed further towards the cowl.Being rear engined, that should have been easily accomplished.
It looks ok when you are seated inside, but FUGLY from any angle on the exterior.
Siata did some beautiful designs in the 50’s, much like baby Ferraris.
What Happened???
loved our 2 or 3 850s. All ways wanted abarth prts for them altho hada header from go.
This model can stay in that Met climate (Italy) or soco & Holly wood. Not for round here (resta merica).
Worked on a few of these at the Fiat dealership. Kinda quirky in a fun way, but cheaply built.