The discovery of a Siata Spring is not a first for Barn Finds but this 1970 example is a first for me. As I have learned, there are many interesting marques and models that haven’t hit my radar so let’s take a look at this seldomly seen two-seater and see what’s here. This Siata Spring is located in Toms River, New Jersey and is available, here on Facebook Marketplace for $8,000. Thanks to Chuck F for this interesting tip!
Starting out as a racing and performance parts manufacturer in 1926, Siata went on to actual car production in 1948. Having designed and constructed several different sports cars, the Siata Spring was introduced in 1968 with the motoring youth market as its target. The Fiat 850 played a role in the Spring’s underpinnings but by 1970, Siata, and the Spring, were kaput. The Spring did find later life under a new caretaker but that arrangement ended in 1975. Total Spring production was about 3,500 copies.
The seller claims that his Spring is a 19K mile example and is one of only 350 in existence with just 50 still residing in the U.S. Perhaps there is a club or registry that records these statistics, otherwise, I’m not sure how that would be known. Anyway, there are various different styling elements combined with the most prominent, to my eyes, being an MG, primarily due to the commanding presence of the grille. It’s much wider than that of a TD, but it reflects some of the T’s character. This example’s exterior is in pretty fair shape, it looks complete and there is no sign of crash damage or serious rust. The finish is reasonable but it has scuffs, scrapes, and chips. The brightwork is not so bright anymore but it can probably be spiffed up with some elbow grease. There is a folding top in place but no word is mentioned regarding its condition or usability.
This Spring was recently brought back to operational status, and considering its model year, the engine is more than likely a 900 CC fiat, in-line, four-cylinder unit good for about 52 HP. That said, it could also be the smaller 843 CC version, there are no specific engine details included in the listing. The seller advises that brake work is needed to ensure driveability, or perhaps stopability, of this four-speed, manual-transaxle equipped two-seater.
The interior is typical for sports cars from the late ’60s/early ’70s era, it is spartan and to the point. Other than the missing steering wheel center, it looks to be in very reasonable condition. The black vinyl upholstery is free of splits as is the dash pad. The instrument panel gauges are nice and legible too. Beyond a thorough cleaning, the interior could remain as is and be enjoyed.
If you are looking for something a bit different in an open sports car, not an MG, Triumph, or a Fiat, even though you’ll have Fiat running gear with this Spring, it is an interesting alternative. It will certainly be a topic of conversation at a local cruise-in but the actual motoring aspect should be fun too, if not too speedy. Show of hands please, has anyone ever heard of a Siata Spring?
It’s pretty bad when a Fiberfab plastic MGTD replica with VW power is a step above the subject vehicle. These were super slow sellers at the local Fat dealership. They were not “lot lizards” as they had to be stored inside. The weather protection was lacking with ill fitting side curtains, and the pot metal trim quickly deteriorated.
So many other ways to spend $8,000 and have more fun.
had quite a few 850s in the day.
These seem for the Italian or SoCal climes.
We needed the other for NE usa…
A car woth no merit which devalues the badge it wears.
That’s not good, is it?
Not only have I heard of a Siata Spring, I’ve seen one. Not a pretty sight.
Tag Gallion ( ?) , a mopar dealer in Huntington , WV had these in the showroom in the late 60’s early 70’s, ( as well as MG’s and Healys ).but I never saw many out in the wild. We were already MG & Austin Healy nuts, and thought the grille and general proportions were ” off” and therefore not on the same level as the British cars.