Siata 208 CS Spider Motto

The Siata 208 CS Spider by Carrozzeria Motto was constructed in the early 1950s as a limited-production sports car built on the 208 CS chassis. The 208 CS series was introduced by Siata (Società Italiana Auto Trasformazioni Accessori) in 1952 and employed mechanical components sourced from the Fiat 8V (Otto Vu) platform. The Spider variant bodied by Motto of Turin represented one of the lightest and most limited iterations of the type, produced in very small numbers. The chassis employed a tubular steel frame with independent suspension on all four wheels. Front suspension featured coil springs and hydraulic dampers, while the rear used a semi-trailing arm setup with coil springs. Braking was provided by hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels. The wheelbase measured approximately 2,400 millimetres. Power was supplied by a Fiat-derived V8 engine with a displacement of 1,996 cubic centimetres. The engine had a 70-degree V-angle and an overhead valve layout. Output was approximately 125 horsepower at 6,000 revolutions per minute. Power was transmitted to the rear axle through a five-speed manual gearbox. The drivetrain configuration and light aluminum bodywork enabled competitive performance by early 1950s standards, with top speeds near 200 kilometres per hour depending on final gearing and tuning. Carrozzeria Motto constructed the aluminum bodywork entirely by hand. The design, attributed to Giovanni Michelotti, featured a low windscreen, minimal ornamentation, and flowing lines in accordance with contemporary aerodynamic conventions. The open two-seat configuration was consistent with period competition practice. Known examples include chassis BS 503 and BS 535. Chassis BS 503 is documented as an early production example, while BS 535 is believed to be the final Spider constructed by Motto on the 208 CS platform. Each vehicle was completed with variations in detail and interior trim according to customer instruction or intended purpose. The Siata 208 CS Spider by Motto remains a representative example of limited-production Italian sports cars from the immediate post-war period. It illustrates the application of advanced mechanical components, bespoke aluminum bodywork, and collaboration between small-volume constructors and independent carrozzieri.