Rare Siata 208 CS coming to Concours of Elegance

| 13 Jun 2024
Classic & Sports Car – Rare Siata 208 CS heading to Concours of Elegance

Have you ever seen one of these before? This is a Siata 208 CS and it has been confirmed for this year’s Concours of Elegance, which returns to Hampton Court Palace from 30 August-1 September.

This coupé will be one of the world-class classic cars competing for the Best in Show trophy, along with this unique Porsche 911 turbo prototype.

Plus, Classic & Sports Car readers can get 20% off tickets with our exclusive offer. Simply use the code 24CSC at the checkout, here.

Let’s find out more about the latest addition to the Concours of Elegance 2024 line-up.

Classic & Sports Car – Rare Siata 208 CS heading to Concours of Elegance

This Siata 208 CS was built by coachbuilder Balbo

This 1953 Siata, chassis number CS 071, is one of only nine Balbo-styled 208 CS coupés, of which just seven survive.

In all, Siata built approximately 50 of these Fiat V8-engined cars, including 35 Spiders.

The lightweight coupé, powered by an Otto Vu-based unit and clad in aluminium, was ripe for competition – and that’s exactly how this 208 CS started its life.

This car was imported to America in the early 1950s and first owner Robert Grier entered his coupé in the 100-mile Floyd Bennett Grand Prize Cup at New York’s Floyd Bennett Field on 29 August 1953.

Soon after, he competed in the Keene Mountain hillclimb.
 

Classic & Sports Car – Rare Siata 208 CS heading to Concours of Elegance

The one-of-nine Siata 208 CS coupé was restored in 2017

This car’s second keeper continued to campaign the Siata 208 CS, until they swapped it for a Porsche 356 in the late ’50s.

Third custodian Dr Julius Eisenstark spotted the rare coupé for sale at a New York dealer in September 1959.

He was on his way to purchase a Renault Caravelle, but the Siata won him over – and it has remained in the Eisenstark family since then.

Today it is owned by Julius’ son, Walter, who decided to restore the well-loved Siata 208 CS to its original condition, after it was involved in a crash in 2017.

Classic & Sports Car – Rare Siata 208 CS heading to Concours of Elegance

This Siata 208 CS will be at Concours of Elegance 2024

The complex project involved scanning the car’s bodywork so a new buck could be created and used to form replacement panels.

Now looking much as it did when it left the factory, the Siata made its debut at the Amelia Island concours in 2018, where it was awarded a Best in Class trophy.

It will be on show at Concours of Elegance, at Hampton Court Palace, from 30 August-1 September 2024.

And don’t forget, Classic & Sports Car readers can enjoy our exclusive ticket offer by using the code 24CSC at checkout, here.

Images: Concours of Elegance


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