Siata Daina Trasformabile

Siata Daina Trasformabile 1952 LHD Chassis: SL 0168 Engine: SL 0168 The Italian car manufacturer Siata ( S ocieta Italiana A pplicazioni T rasformazioni A utomobilistiche) produced in the fifties some exciting berlinettas, convertibles and spiders, all based on Fiat technology but mechanically refined and upgraded and coachbuilt by the famous Italian designers. After having been lucky to buy in the past several Siata Daina models, I considered myself very fortunate to find yet another Daina, but this time a super-rare Trasformabile (Convertible). According to the register, worldwide only 7 are still known to survive. This 1952 Siata Daina with chassis SL 0168 and with aluminium coachwork (except doors) by Stabilimenti Farina, was completely restored in 2005-2006 by a North-Italian specialist respecting rigorously the original specifications and colours in which this particular Trasformabile left the Siata factory. The aluminium body is absolutely straight, has perfect shut lines on doors, boot (opens sideways!) and bonnet. The Siata just looks stunning in this light fine-metallic green paint. As a result the car obtained the much coveted ASI Targa D'Oro(best specification) certification. Also the Fiat Registro rewarded the quality of this Siata by issuing a Certificato in which the exceptional quality of the restoration is underlined. Inspecting this Siata on the ramps in my classic car garage confirms the quality of the restoration because the underneath of the car is still immaculate. Power comes from the Fiat 4-cylinder 1400 cc engine modified by Siata with a special cylinderhead, pistons and a twin carburettor (Weber 32) set-up producing a healthy 72 BHP. On the road all this excellent restoration work is immediately translated in a very healthy road behaviour. Very solid feeling (no rattles whatsoever!), good punch from the engine with a sporty sound from the stainless steel exhaust, smooth gearchange, precise steering, etc... Add to this almost perfect road behaviour, a stylish interior in beige leather, the complete full-functional beautiful dashboard, the smart cream steering wheel and knobs, + some nice typical Siata detailing and... suddenly you realise "wind in the hair", you are having a ride in some sort of Italian dolce vita heaven. And why not!