Lot 531: 1952 SIATA Daina SL Sport Berlinetta

Founded in 1926 in Turin, Italy by Giorgio Ambrosini, SIATA (Societ� Italiana Auto Trasformazioni e Accessori) began life as a tuning firm specialising in the modification of FIATs. When the company eventually introduced its first production car in 1949, FIAT components, in this case sourced from the Topolino, were the logical choice for the new Amica cabriolet. 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.

The Milanese firm's next effort, based on the FIAT 1400, was the Rallye, a traditionally styled roadster bearing more than a passing resemblance to the MG TD. Not all SIATA's designs were inspired by others: the series of FIAT 8V 2-litre V8-powered coup�s of the 1950s, equipped with a variety of stylish Italian coachwork from the likes of Stabilimenti Farina, Vignale, Bertone and Boano, were considered particularly striking and arguably the firm's finest creations.

SIATAs of the 1960s continued to be FIAT based, the TS 1500 Coup� being the most noteworthy, and then in 1968 the firm returned to the MG theme with its swansong model, the Spring. A two-seat sports roadster constructed on the rear-engined FIAT 850S floorpan, the Spring lasted until 1970, with a brief revival by ORSA in 1973.

SIATA�s Daina model of the early 1950s was based on the FIAT 1400 and built primarily in Convertible and Coup� 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.

This striking Daina berlinetta was purchased at a London auction in June 1994, having previously been restored, and while in the current ownership has been maintained by Bill McGrath Ltd, its engine being rebuilt by them in 2001 since when some 14,000-or-so miles have been covered. The coachwork is believed to be by Boano and no similar Daina is known to exist. The car displayed a total of 199 kilometres on the odometer at time of purchase and was first UK registered on 22nd November 1994. Since acquisition it has been used for a number of prestigious historic motoring events including the Parc de Bagatelle Concours, Norwich Union Run, Ecosse Tour and the Tour Auto in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006! Its most recent such invitation was to the Tyringham Hall Concours in September 2007.

Always much admired wherever it has been shown, this unusual and strikingly rakish Italian sports car is offered with Swansea V5 registration document.