1951 Siata Daina Coupé

In 1950, Siata expanded its lineup with the Daina, a grand touring car designed to be both sporty and elegant, but not intended for competition. It was developed alongside the Siata Amica and featured mechanical components derived from the Fiat 1400, combined with a box-section frame engineered by Siata. The Daina was available in two body styles: coupé and convertible. The latter made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show that same year, coinciding with the launch of the new Fiat 1400. This timing underscored Fiat’s close collaboration with Siata, as the company had provided its latest mechanical components even before unveiling the model itself—a testament to a partnership that had begun two decades earlier and would continue for years to come. The Daina was powered by a four-cylinder engine with an 82 mm bore and 66 mm stroke, for a total displacement of 1,393 cc. In Siata’s configuration, it produced 65 hp—significantly more than the standard Fiat 1400’s 44 hp—and was paired with a five-speed gearbox plus reverse. The coupé and convertible versions, both bodied by Stabilimenti Farina, could reach a top speed of 150 km/h. One of the distinctive styling features of the early Daina models was their grille, which bore a resemblance to that of the MG TD. This similarity led to the creation of the Rallye 1400 in 1951, a model that closely imitated the British roadster. Meanwhile, the Daina range expanded to include both standard and extended-wheelbase chassis, as well as six-seater limousine and woody station wagon variants, showcasing the model’s versatility. The evolution of the Daina reached its peak in 1952 with the introduction of the 1400 Gran Sport, an elegant and streamlined 65 hp spider, and the Daina Sport, a particularly dynamic coupé. Both models, again bodied by Stabilimenti Farina, abandoned the traditional shield-shaped grille in favor of a more modern horizontal design. While these versions retained the Fiat 1400-derived engine, customers could opt for a larger 1,500 cc unit producing 75 hp. Though both the coupé and spider were built with steel bodywork, a limited number of two aluminum-bodied examples were produced for competitive use.

In the later stages of its production, the Daina lineup was further enhanced with the introduction of the Siata Daina 1800, a more powerful and refined variant aimed at performance-oriented drivers. Equipped with an upgraded 1,817 cc overhead-valve engine, derived from the Fiat 1400 but extensively modified by Siata, this version produced approximately 90 hp, offering significantly improved performance. The increase in power was complemented by a more advanced chassis setup, ensuring better handling and stability at higher speeds. Like its predecessors, the Daina 1800 was available in both coupé and spider configurations, with bodywork designed by Stabilimenti Farina. While production numbers remained low, this model marked the pinnacle of the Daina’s evolution, embodying Siata’s commitment to blending Italian craftsmanship with sporting character.

The Siata Daina Coupé, chassis no. SL0181, was completed and registered with a Turin license plate on December 3, 1951, initially registered to Siata itself. It featured a special aluminum body and the largest available engine, the 1800 cc unit. The car remained in the company’s possession until June 4, 1952, when it was sold to Sergio Manente, a famous Italian football player and coach who was also part of the Italian national team. The oldest known photograph of the car, taken during its early years, shows a clearly sporty livery. The aluminum bodywork lacks bumpers, the hood features an aftermarket mascot in the shape of a stylized airplane, and above the fenders, two large, round, chrome side mirrors stand out. The interior is trimmed in Tartan fabric, and the car is missing the right windshield wiper. Manente kept the Daina 1800 until August 1954. The car then changed ownership every two years and, in May 1958, was seized by the Istituto Vendite Giudiziarie (IVG), an entity responsible for managing and selling movable and immovable property resulting from judicial proceedings on behalf of the Turin Court. In January 1959, it was sold to Orlando Bodda, who evidently carried out the necessary repairs. This is confirmed by a renewed registration certificate issued in September 1959, which includes the following note: “Vehicle rebuilt with a chassis sourced from a Siata-derived 1400-Daina/1800, license plate 1276008 TO, and an engine sourced from a Fiat 1400, previously registered under license plate 1098408 TO, which had been scrapped.” In October 1959, the car was resold and passed through the hands of various passionate collectors. Over the years, it underwent extensive restorations, which were finally completed in 2020, re-fitting the original engine and receiving an ASI certificate. In 2023 the car became part of a private collection. In August of the same year, it participated in the Zurich Classic Award, still bearing its original license plates.