Siata Daina SL Trasformabile

Vehicle Overview

The Siata Daina Cabriolet is a stunning piece of automotive craftsmanship designed by Mario Felice Boano at the renowned Stabilimenti Farina. Known for its lightweight aluminum body, this beautiful Cabriolet exemplifies the Italian tradition of blending style with performance. Founded in 1926 in Turin by Giorgio Ambrosini, Siata (Societa Italiana Auto Trasformazioni Accessori) began as a tuning firm specializing in modifying Fiat vehicles. Over the years, Siata evolved from a performance enhancer to a car manufacturer, debuting its first production car, the Amica Cabriolet, in 1949. Naturally, Fiat components were the primary choice for this new model, given Siata’s long-standing association with the brand. The Daina model, introduced in the early 1950s, marked a significant milestone for Siata. Based on the Fiat 1400, it was offered in both Cabriolet and Coupé versions. The Cabriolets were primarily bodied by Stabilimenti Farina, while the Coupés were crafted by Bertone, two of Italy’s most prestigious coachbuilders. Later models were labeled ‘SL’ (Scatolato Lamiera), translating to “sheet metal box,” highlighting the use of advanced body construction techniques. Under the hood, the Daina utilized Fiat’s robust 1400cc overhead-valve engine. Siata, known for their performance upgrades, made significant modifications to enhance the power output. These improvements included a specially designed cylinder head, high-performance pistons, and a twin-carburettor inlet manifold. For those desiring even more power, a larger 1,500cc unit was available as an option, further boosting the car’s performance credentials. Siata’s racing pedigree is an integral part of the Daina’s legacy. From its earliest days, the brand was active in motorsport, and the Daina Cabriolet made its mark on the international stage by participating in the inaugural Sebring 12 Hours race in 1952. Piloted by Dick Irish and Bob Fergus, the car performed exceptionally well, winning its class and securing a remarkable 3rd place overall. This impressive finish saw the lightweight Cabriolet outperform many larger-engined competitors, a testament to Siata’s engineering prowess. The Daina Cabriolet’s design, lightweight construction, and racing success have cemented its status as a coveted classic. Its combination of Italian elegance, high performance, and racing heritage makes it a remarkable example of Siata’s ingenuity and passion for sports cars. Today, the Daina Cabriolet is a rare and treasured collector’s item, celebrated for both its aesthetic appeal and its historical significance in Italian motoring history.