Siata 208 S Motto

The Siata 208 S Motto is a legendary sports car born from the collaboration between Siata, a boutique performance specialist, and Fiat. In 1952, Siata was enlisted to aid in the production of Fiat’s Otto Vu model, a flagship supercar powered by a unique 70-degree V-8 engine. This engine, now regarded as a mechanical masterpiece, was produced in approximately 200 units. However, Otto Vu chassis production only reached 114 cars. Siata acquired 50 of these drivetrains, which became the beating heart of their latest racing models: the 208 CS Coupe and the 208S Spider. The Siata 208S represented the evolution of Siata’s lightweight racing platform, incorporating significant mechanical advancements, such as all-wheel independent suspension, which endowed the car with remarkable road-holding capabilities. This state-of-the-art chassis was paired with stunning spider coachwork designed by Giovanni Michelotti and crafted in aluminum by the Turinese carrozzeria Motto. Built in a limited production run of just 35 examples, the 208S quickly became a force to be reckoned with in SCCA competition. One of the key figures in the story of the 208S was Ernie McAfee, a pioneering mechanic and racer from Southern California. McAfee, who had already made a name for himself in sports car racing, saw potential in the American market for the Siata 208S. After encountering the prototype at the 1953 International Motor Sports Show in New York City, he traveled to Italy with fellow builder Bill Devin. At the Turin Salon, Devin was captivated by the second prototype and purchased it immediately. McAfee, equally impressed, arranged for the purchase of 25 spiders for the American market. The first production example, chassis number BS 503, was delivered to McAfee in Southern California. It was the first model bodied in aluminum alloy and was specifically configured for high-speed competition, featuring a five-speed gearbox and a tuned engine capable of delivering 125 horsepower or more. The Siata 208S was celebrated not only for its performance but also for its sleek, aggressive design, which echoed the dynamic spirit of early racing cars. Today, the Siata 208S Motto is revered as one of the most desirable high-performance spiders of the early Fifties. Combining Siata’s experience with Fiat-based performance cars, the Otto Vu V8’s power, and the refined beauty of Italian coachwork, it remains a rare and sought-after classic, appreciated by collectors and automotive enthusiasts alike.