Siata 1250 GT Zagato

The Siata 1250 GT Zagato was built in 1955 specifically for the 1956 Mille Miglia race. While the Mille Miglia holds great allure for numerous classic car enthusiasts, it is essential to delve deeper into the remarkable history of this 1250 GT. During the 1950s, Zagato played a significant role in constructing automobiles specifically designed for competitive racing. This endeavor was likely influenced by the remarkable racing skills of Elio Zagato, the son of the company’s founder, Ugo Zagato. The Siata 1250 GT Zagato, technically derived from the Fiat 1100, tipo 103, exemplifies this commitment. Fiat, with its sporty iteration of the compact 1100, widely regarded as the GTI of its time, effectively captured the essence of the sports car market. Many companies were able to maximize the car’s potential due to its fast performance. One such company was the Società Italiana Applicazioni Technice Automobilistiche (S.A.), commonly known as Siata. Essentially, this car was designed for racing purposes. This fact alone justifies why Zagato, based in Milan, decided to produce a limited number of meticulously crafted aluminum coachworks, using the 1100 TV as a foundation. As for the exact quantity, it remains uncertain, as it aligns with the fine Italian tradition of not providing precise figures. The 1956 Mille Miglia starting line-up boasted six Siata’s 1250 in the 1,100 to 1,300 Turismo e Gran Turismo class, with the 1250 GT Zagato (Fiat chassis number 198498) being one of them. The car’s history is well-documented in two navy blue files, which is a rarity and adds value to the car. According to the files, the car was delivered to Angelo Zuffuni on January 19th, 1956. While examining the previous owners, a particular name stands out Claudio Maglioli, the son of Umberto Maglioli, who had participated in ten Formula 1 Grand Prix races. It seems that sports car driving runs in his family, and Claudio, born in 1940, is renowned for his work as a driver for Lancia stable and his expertise in preparing racing and rally cars. Additionally, the registration indicates that the Siata had been located in Sicily for a considerable amount of time.