{{Short description|Convertible sports car manufactured by Siata}} {{About|the 208s|the coupe version of the 208|Siata 208 CS}} {{Infobox automobile | name = Siata 208S | image = Siata 1953 Roadster.JPG | manufacturer = Siata | aka = | production = 1952 | model_years = 1953-1955 (35 produced) | designer = Giovanni Michelotti | body_style = 2-door roadster | related = Siata 208 CS<br>Fiat 8V | layout = FR Layout | engine = 2.0L ''Fiat tipo 104'' V8 | transmission = 5-speed manual | wheelbase = 2,692 mm (106 in) | length = | width = | height = | weight = 1960 lb (889 kg) | predecessor = Siata Daina }}
The '''Siata 208S''' is an Italian sports car produced by Siata. Presented in 1952, the 208S wore a lightweight sports spider aluminum body designed by Giovanni Michelotti and built by Rocco Motto.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.omniauto.it/magazine/33411/siata-208-capolavoro-italiano-2-mln-dollari|title=Siata 208, capolavoro italiano da 2 mln di dollari|work=OmniAuto.it|access-date=2018-03-03}}</ref> Only 35 examples of the 208S were produced, including the two Bertone designed prototypes. It is the roadster counterpart to the Siata 208 CS. == History == The car rose to prominence after actor and race car driver Steve McQueen purchased model BS523 from Los Angeles-based Siata importer Ernie McAfee in the mid-1950s. McQueen reportedly rebadged the car with Ferrari emblems and dubbed the car his "Little Ferrari".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fantasyjunction.com/cars/830-Siata-208S-2.3%20Litre%208-Cylinder|title=1953 SIATA 208S|website=www.fantasyjunction.com|access-date=2018-03-03}}</ref>
== Performance == Mechanically, the 208S was derived partly from the Fiat 8V, with which it shared Fiat's all alloy Tipo 104 70° 2-liter V8 engine. This engine produced 125 hp (93.2 kW) and allowed it to reach a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph). ''Road & Track'' recorded a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time of 12.4 seconds and a quarter mile time of 17.8 seconds during its tests.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.supercars.net/blog/1953-siata-208s/|title=1953 Siata 208S {{!}} {{!}} SuperCars.net|date=2016-04-22|work=Supercars.net|access-date=2018-03-03|language=en-US}}</ref> The 208s wore all aluminum bodywork and featured four wheel independent suspension which was advanced for its time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2014/01/14/cobra-powered-siata-208s-spyder-heads-to-auction/|title=Cobra-powered Siata 208S Spyder heads to auction |website=www.hemmings.com|access-date=2018-03-03}}</ref>
== Gallery == <gallery> File:Paris - Retromobile 2012 - Siata 208S - 1953 - 006.jpg|208s at Rétromobile in 2012 File:Paris - Retromobile 2012 - Siata 208S - 1953 - 001.jpg|208s interior File:Fiat-Siata Otto Vu engine.jpg|The Fiat 2-liter V8 in a Siata 208 </gallery>
== Sources == <references />{{Commons category|Siata 208}}
Category:Cars introduced in 1952 Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles Category:Roadsters Category:Siata vehicles