Siata Daina SL Sport Berlinetta

During the 1950s and on into the ’60s a variety of US engines including Crosley, Ford and Chrysler V8s were adopted in addition to FIAT’s home-grown motors. SIATA’s Daina model of the early 1950s was based on the FIAT 1400 and built primarily in Convertible and Coupé forms, most of the former being bodied by Stabilimenti Farina and the latter by Bertone. Later cars were designated ‘SL’ (Scatolato Lamiera literally: sheet metal box). The Daina used the FIAT 1400 overhead-valve engine, modified by SIATA with a special cylinder head, pistons and twin-carburettor inlet manifold. A 1,500cc unit was available as an option and is fitted to the car offered here, which also boasts a five-speed gearbox. SIATA was active in racing from its earliest days, and a Daina Convertible driven by Dick Irish and Bob Fergus won its class in the inaugural Sebring 12 Hours race of 1952, finishing 3rd overall ahead of many larger-engined cars.