It’s that time again: August in Monterey, when the cognoscenti descend on a few square miles of mid-coast California to view a selection of the world’s most interesting cars. I know what you’re thinking – it’s not a barn find. But in 1989, this Siata was pulled from thirty years of storage into unflattering daylight, still in original condition – a minor miracle considering its 1952 build date. Also worth contemplating is the melting pot of personalities who ushered this car to creation: Stanley “Wacky” Arnolt, Franco Scaglione, and Nuccio Bertone. Siata, aka Società Italiana Auto Trasformazioni Accessori, was founded to sell performance parts for Fiats, but ambition led it to manufacture its own cars starting in 1950. The tangled web of influence that led to this car began when Arnolt took a stake in Bertone, sparking the design and production of the Arnolt MGs. Wanting a one-off to show at Paris Salon, Arnolt asked Bertone for a 2+2; this car was styled by Scaglione, and situated on a lengthened Siata 208 chassis. Aluminum-bodied, sporting fins, frenched driving lights, and every elegant detail required of an Italian masterpiece, this 1952 Siata 208CS Bertone Berlinetta will be auctioned by Broad Arrow on August 14th at the Monterey Jet Center. The estimate is $750k to $850k. A nod to Araknid78 for the spectacular tip.
If you’re familiar with Fiat, you know that it built a V8 engine – known as the Otto Vu – and plunked it into several heartbreakingly stylish cars known as the 8V series. The same engine and chassis were sold to Siata and several coachbuilders. Designed by Gianni Giacosa, the 2.0-liter incorporates an aluminum block and head, 70-degree angle, and three main bearings; this one breathes through two Webers and produces 125 hp. The gearbox is a four-speed manual. Recent work includes rebuilding that transmission and overhauling the cylinder heads, distributor, carburetors, and brakes. A new exhaust was fabricated, and the whole kit was tuned into running order. This car has attended Pebble Beach twice – an anomaly since the committee prefers that cars show only once.
Of course, the provenance of this car is well-documented, so we know that in the care of the consignor, it received a complete, concours-quality re-trim in buttery, pleated, woven leather. Here’s a view of the inside door pocket. Other than the outstanding quality of the materials and craftsmanship paid for by its current caretaker, the buyer will be treated to the Italian flair for supplying a well-appointed cabin, with several gauges, a color-matched painted dash with leather padding backing a grab bar, piped trim on the carpets, and that long, slender gearshift lever.
Bertone’s solution to supplying fins in a subtle way is showcased here. As enamoured as I am of Italian design detail, I find the fins a bit too gimmicky. Likewise, couldn’t Scaglione gin up better tail lamps? This stacked three-some feels like an afterthought. That said, I wouldn’t shove this car out of the driveway; what do you think?
I swear, in 1952, we had, what, Super, or Custom, and the Italians had ,,,what now? 208CS Lungo something what now? I guess you had to be there.
This looks like an outstanding car, and we had nothing like it. A V8 or 8V? Hmm, no foolin’, well, it’s not very big, as I read, 2.0 liters is about 122 cubic inches, if that’s right, and I thought Fords 221 was the smallest US, and the Daimler SP250 V8 at 152 c.i. I read, these would do 0-60 in about 9 seconds and a top speed of 124. Like I said, we had nothing like it,,yet.
Fun detail on this Fiat engine, it was named 8V simply because they thought V8 was copyrighted !
Does it help if you know that lungo means long and berlinetta is a diminutive of their word for sedan? Pretty pedestrian, as far as names for hand-built exotic cars go. So yeah, I guess you had to be there. (Except that I’m an American born in the ‘80s, and am unbothered by automotive nomenclature in the manufacturer’s native language. So maybe you just need to be a little less closed-minded.)
What a jewel!
It does bear a remarkable resemblance to the Arnolt-MGs Bertone turned out (not sure, but I don’t think those had the tailfins or grille surround). That’s not a knock, though; those were lovely, too.
I believe Scaglione and Bertone were responsible for the Arnolt-Bristol as well. That was pretty, but spoiled (to me) by the high cowl needed to cover the tall Bristol engine.
If we’re going to get really picky, I prefer the Ghia-bodied “Supersonic” cars. But then I have a preference for 1950s jet-age design….
Thanks again, Michelle! You always bring the cars I really dig, but of course could never afford.
Hope this one goes across the block early, because if the auctioneer has more than 2 beverages he will never get through that name.
WOW! Just wow! I want! Just so cool!
A little bit if MG Manet look too.
Got kind of a Peerless thing going on.
Nice write-up as usual Michelle. And thanks for the ‘nod’
A beautiful execution. The small details abound like the shotgun passenger’s grab handle, carpet edging, and dash trim. I do like the rear lighting; it looks like the lenses are curved and thus magnify the lamp, and recessing like that protects them from damage.
I wondered about the two green items behind the grill: are those a pair of famous Italian air horns?
Too bad it is out of my price range. If it is reduced by 90%, then again 50% I still could not afford it but I would enjoy being tempted…
The reason it is so expensive! ITS WORTH IT!
May have inspired the TD21 as well
You meant Dante Giacosa, no?
Michelle, another great write up!
The amount of research you do is so impressive and appreciated.
It is always a joy to follow you.
Thank you.
Lot 278 |
Monterey Jet Center 2025
Thursday, 14 August 2025
Not Sold