Siata initially sold performance parts to modify and tune cars manufactured by Fiat. After World War II, the company began making its own sports cars under the Siata brand until its eventual bankruptcy following the first Arab oil embargo in the mid-1970s.
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 could be had with a 1.4L, 1.5L or 1.8L overhead valve I4 engine, all of which were sourced from Fiat. It featured independent front suspension and a live rear axle with coil springs all around, as well as 4-wheel drum brakes. It could be had with either a 4-speed or 5-speed manual gearbox.
From 1950 to 1958 there were approximately 50 Daina Series cars produced. About 20 Daina Sport (coupes) are thought to have been built, only six are known to exist today. There was also a cabriolet version called the Gran Sport, which had a steel body with an aluminum hood designed by Stabilimenti Farina. 3 all aluminum bodied Gran Sports were made as well. When Stabilimenti Farina closed in 1953, Bertone took over production with a coupe model of their own design called the "Sport". (wikipedia & bonhams.com)
1952 Siata Daina SL Sport Berlinetta by Boano
Chassis no. SL.0201.S
A 1.5L unit was fitted to this car, which also boasts a five-speed gearbox. The coachwork is believed to be by Boano and no similar Daina is known to exist. It has been used for a number of prestigious historic motoring events (bonhams.com)
(Photos from bonhams.com, powerful-cars.com & autotitre.com)
