The Siata Spring was one of the more unusual production cars of the late sixties. And yes, these really were sold here in some numbers, enough that they were not all that uncommon of a sight, for a little while, anyway. They were a minor fad; something about a cheap little roadster that had classic styling cues and a fold-down windshield; perfect for Malibu or Venice, California. Not so much for Iowa.
Siata had a long history, going to 1926. But small coachbuilders were struggling (or worse) by the sixties, so Siata took a gamble on something a bit different. In a way, this was something of a cross between cars like the Fiat (and Renault) Jolly, built in the fifties by Ghia and the Mini Moke. Something to be seen in, and not for the daily commute or long trips.
The Spring was based on the Fiat 850 sedan, not the Spider, as I once assumed. That means it had all of 42 hp, resulting in a 25 second 0-60 time, a bit slower than a VW Beetle. But who’s in a hurry, when you’re cruising the beach or the nightclubs? Yes, this was a chick magnet in its time. As well as a chick car.
As to its practical qualities; they were limited. And the price wasn’t exactly a bargain; it was several hundred dollars more than the svelte and quicker 850 Spider. But if you had to have something different, it was a lot cheaper than an Excalibur.
“Sold here in some numbers”? Hmm … I remember this road test, and perhaps seeing one at the San Francisco Imported Car Show, as well as the 1/43rd die cast version that was in the all the toy stores back then (from one of the Italian brands if I recall correctly). Malibu and Venice, maybe, but I can’t recall seeing any around my colder and foggier part of California. It looks more awkward and kit-car-like than the Vignale Gamine that I saw this summer in Monterey, and which Tatra87 also featured recently from Tokyo. But neither one has the appeal of the actual 850 Spider.
“…we’re not absolutely sure the car is licenseable, although the distributor doesn’t seem worried on the score.”
Well then. I guess they weren’t too worried about still being in business when the EPA came and confiscated the cars.
I remember seeing one of them in the Early 70’s in Erie, PA, most likely around the converted-gas-station Fiat dealership. Was quite taken with the car, even if the proportions seemed a bit odd.
The ‘Flying Coffin’ would have been an appropriate nickname for these. Looks like a casket. May have assessed its crashworthiness as well.
The Siata Spring was on display as a new car at Forest City Imports in Rockford, Illinois in the period 1968/1970. This was the local “foreign” car dealership – Triumph, MG, Austin Healey, Jaguar, Fiat and this brand for awhile. It was very odd and of no interest to me; I was there for the Triumphs & MGs.
I actually saw one of these withing the last few years, it was a runner too, not some derelict .
Kinda funny looking but that was the idea maybe .
The price was ridiculous but they managed to sell a few .
-Nate
I have actually owned two of these vehicles, One in 1972 bought used (a 1968 model) and one I currently own purchased from a museum which is a 1969 version.
It is a great car, fun to drive, and yes not suited for modern interstate traffic. The top speed is actually over 80 mph if you don’t mind red lining the tach (maybe a bit less with two people in it LOL). Mine is nearly 100% original including the original paint and slightly over 20,000 miles on it. Not a restoration.
What did you pay may I ask I found one 69 for 7000