Facelifted FIAT: 1970 SIATA Spring
Italy was home to a number of automotive tuning and accessory firms with names like Abarth and Nardi gaining prominence. One company that is less well-known by Americans is SIATA –Societa Italiana Auto Trasformazioni Accessori. An example of their output is this 1970 SIATA Spring for sale on Hemmings in Brookfield, Missouri for $5,000 OBO.
Like Abarth, SIATA got its start manufacturing go-faster parts for FIATs in 1926 and eventually built attractive, complete cars under their own name starting in 1948. The Spring would be the last model SIATA produced prior to their bankruptcy and closure in 1970.
It’s hard to believe that underneath this retro body design lay the underpinnings of the FIAT 850. It’s true and the sharp-eyed will see bits such as the taillights, steering wheel and seats are straight from the FIAT parts bin. The large, exposed hinges on the doors, engine cover and front-end trunk add to the throwback-ness of the design. And the wind up windows from the FIAT were ditched in favor of side curtains.
The interior looks a little scruffy and we don’t have a photo of the seating surfaces, but it appears to be all there. The glass in the windshield and vent wings looks like it is good condition, but the side curtains are yellowed and the clear plastic will need replacement. The seller states that the convertible top “is shot”, so budget for one of those.
The engine is a FIAT 817 cc four cylinder hanging off the rear end of the car. The seller says that it is partially disassembled and he cannot find a local mechanic that is willing to take it on. He has provided photos of various parts that go with the car, so it will be a bit of a project for the buyer. Could this retro-styled Italian be the one for you?
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Comments
These are somewhat similar to a MGTD replica on a VW pan. However, in person, these are not very attractive. The proportions are way off. They look like Shriner parade cars.
Two of my friends had Fiat dealerships in the late 1960’s. One tried to sell Siata Springs. They bought one which sat inside for months and months. It finally sold to a young lady. When exposed to the elements, it rapidly deteiorated. The top rotted and the pot metal hinges and hardware corroded.
I like Fiats, (owned a used 850 Coupe and a new 1974 124 Coupe). I also like Siatas and tried to buy one from a junk yard. But I do not care for Siata’s version of a Fiat.
Well sir they are nothing like an MGTD replica on a VW pan. I have an original 53 TD. like the MG, they are friggin gorgeous….they do have rust issues when not cared for, like all cars of that age..the hinges are pot metal and really substandard. so we agree on that point., HOWEVER, they weigh 1350 lbs, and with a 52 horse motor are a freaking blast to drive on back roads..especially with the fold down windshield…..and motor that revs to 6600 RPM……like a good european car….and they get 42-45 MPG…..all parts form the drive train are easily obtainable. Properly maintained they last a long time and are very reliable…….and no Lucas electrics……..I’ve driven one around the US and germany, as well as italy on tours…….beauty is in the ey of the beholder..to each his/her own……..
Great Scott, if I had a extra 5 grand I would already be making arrangements for this great car to come to me! Seriously I would be just can’t!
Ugly car.