Siata-Ford 208S Cabriolet Speciale

The unique Siata-Ford 208S was commissioned by Jimmy Mulgrew of Euclid Ford in Euclid, Ohio, as a promotional vehicle. Mulgrew, in collaboration with racer Dick Irish, sought to create a standout automobile that would capture attention and promote the dealership. Initially, they planned to build the car on a Ford “Police Special” chassis, but Ford Motor Company reportedly denied their request for such a chassis. Undeterred, they acquired a 1951 Ford sedan from Euclid Ford, which was then sent to Italy via Tony Pompeo’s New York dealership in mid-1952. At Siata, the Ford sedan’s flathead V-8 drivetrain, suspension, and instruments were utilized, but a specially designed frame was crafted to form the basis of the Siata-Ford 208S Cabriolet Speciale. The exact process of construction is unclear—whether the entire car was shipped to Italy and then disassembled or if major components were removed in New York before being shipped abroad. However, the use of a Siata chassis suggests the latter. The completed aluminum cabriolet was returned to New York towards the end of 1952, around the time Stabilimenti Farina ceased operations. There’s speculation that the car may have been finished by the renowned coachbuilder Bertone due to its close timing with Farina’s closure. After being showcased at Euclid Ford, the special cabriolet was sold through Alfred Momo’s New York dealership in 1955. Subsequently, its ownership history becomes somewhat fragmented. Frank Russo Sr. of Jacksonville, Maryland, acquired the car in the mid-1960s, but it changed hands several times thereafter, with subsequent owners including Michael Caltrider, Michael Supley, Roland Wommack, Bill Lightfoot, Phil Goutell, Joseph Alphabet, and Oliver Kuttner in subsequent years. Despite its intriguing origins and storied ownership history, the Siata-Ford 208S Cabriolet remains a unique and cherished piece of automotive history, showcasing the collaborative efforts of American ingenuity and Italian craftsmanship. Its journey from concept to creation to the hands of various owners reflects the enduring fascination and appreciation for automotive innovation and artistry. Photo courtesy of RM Sothebys.