1953 Siata 208CS Balbo Berlinetta
Among the various coachbuilders who shaped the 208 CS, Balbo of Turin created what many consider the model’s most attractive interpretation. Only nine berlinettas received this design, with just six examples known to survive today.
The 208 CS emerged from an unusual collaboration between Siata and Fiat. Rudolf Hruska, formerly of Porsche’s design office, led a discreet development program for Fiat’s return to high-performance automobiles.
The result was a two-liter, 70-degree V-8 with all-aluminum construction, wedge-shaped combustion chambers, and dual-throat Weber carburetors. The oversquare, high-revving short-stroke design with an 8.5:1 compression ratio delivered its output through a four-speed manual gearbox.
Fiat built 114 examples of the 8V, with a limited number of surplus Tipo 104 engines subsequently made available to Siata. These engines were installed in tubular chassis featuring fully independent suspension with coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers at all four corners, exceptionally advanced for the period.
The 208 CS appeared alongside both Spider and berlinetta body styles from various Italian coachbuilders including Bertone, Vignale, and Stabilimenti Farina.
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